While standardized tests can be an anxiety-inducing exercise this time of year, they don’t have to be, says Carrie Lynn Bradley, an assistant professor of education at Georgia Southern University. To help reduce children’s stress level and help them stay focused during testing, Bradley recommends parents:
Be informed
● Learn about the tests your child is taking: What is being assessed? When are the tests being given?
● Ask for resources that can help you support the student.
● Incorporate “test taking” behavior into everyday homework activities.
● Discuss concerns with teachers and support personnel.
Practice and support learning at home
● Set aside a distraction-free zone at home for schoolwork.
● Have your child focus on homework for an uninterrupted time and then take a break.
● Read with your child and engage him or her in conversations about what he or she is learning at school.
● Point out opportunities to apply what they are learning in school to real life situations.
● Model these behaviors with adult tasks such as paying bills or preparing for work.
Listen
● Ask your children about the tests and let them talk about their concerns.
Prepare
● Encourage students to consistently attend to their work throughout the year.
● Talk with your child about ways to relax — breathing strategies, relaxation techniques, etc.
● Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and hearty breakfast on test day.
Stay positive
● Encourage your children to do their best.
● If the results aren’t what you had hoped, meet with the teachers and counselors to discuss options.
● Remember — tests are one tool used for academic assessment; they do not define your child.
Gracie Bonds Staples, gstaples@ajc.com
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