Standardized tests are becoming increasingly important every day. They are often referred to as high stake exams as they determine the efficiency of the child to progress to the next level. At a higher level, they may decide the college he/she may attend and the marks so obtained will also determine the qualification for a specific scholarship or financial aid.
When the student knows that their performance in these standardized exams is going to be a life-altering step, it only adds to their already overburdened shoulders. Not just students, their parents are also super anxious when it comes to exams. If you are in a similar position, check out these methods to help prepare your child for the big step:
1. Take practice tests
The best way to crack a standardized test is to be familiar with the type and subject of questions asked in the exam. This requires you to get hold of as many sample papers as you can and use all of them for practice.
Time the tests so that the child is not baffled by the time constraint. You could get practice papers at school or the library. Many exam authorities like those of SAT and Cogat, amongst others, provide sample papers on their websites. You could also use sample test papers for SSAT from online learning sites. Practice is definitely going to make you perfect.
2. Know everything about the test
Most of the information about the exams are sent by the teachers or the conductors of the exam, but if you don’t hear from them, make it a point to get in contact and find out information about it: What will be the format of the paper, how will it be graded, when could you expect the results, how would it affect your child and his/her school, how can you prepare the child and most importantly, where to address your queries and who to ask for assistance if your child faces an issue at the venue. Once you are well equipped with this, it makes your child feel less anxious about the whole affair. Moreover guidance from online tutors like Etutorworld also helps at great extent.
3. Don’t overwork
Often, students who struggle during tests are those who don’t sleep enough or eat a good breakfast. Being mentally and physically prepared also helps. Students should definitely take these exams seriously, but not at the cost of deteriorating health conditions.
Parents can help children keep prepared and relaxed by asking them to visualize success and giving them proper rest and sleep. Another crucial thing is that children pick up easily on the mood of their parents. So, if you are feeling restless and worried, it is sure to affect your child. Stay calm, collected and promote positive thoughts. You may not realize this, but it helps a lot in de-stressing.
4. Monitor progress
If you keep track of your child’s performance, it will help you train them better for the standardized tests. You could talk to their teacher and get regular progress reports to check if they understand the material or if they scored low in a particular field. This will help you to improve where they lack and increase their overall growth.
Workbooks dedicated to these exams can help you with such exercises. Avoid testing your child frequently in areas where they excel because the study will become monotonous and boring for them.
5. Practice relaxation techniques
Squeezing in last moment practices and exercises can be overwhelming and exhausting for the child, which can adversely affect his/her performance in the exams. Instead, encourage the child to enjoy pleasurable activities the day before the test.
Sometimes, it happens that the child panics during the exam because of anxiety over the paper or on seeing something they are not confident about. This is why you should practice relaxation techniques with your child, like deep breathing, counting from 1 to 10, stretching or any other physical activities that will help your child regain his/her mental peace
Over to you…
Standardized tests can be slightly worrisome if they are to determine your child’s future ahead, which is why they should be taken seriously. But, you have to be careful of not overstepping the line and venturing into apprehension as it hinders the performance of the child. Relax, study, practice, sleep, repeat and you’ll be there.
