Bright Ideas From Our Readers: Taking Tests
GreatSchools readers tell how they help their children manage test stress.
Thanks to the readers who have suggested ways to manage a child's stress before tests. Some readers describe how they make studying manageable for their children, others emphasize the value of teaching a child relaxation techniques and still others offer advice especially for children with ADHD:
How Parents Help Their Children Study
Don't wait until right before the test to prepare. "My child's test scores don't reflect stress but we do homework all week long together. Set aside 30 minutes a day for homework — 15 for studies and 15 for reading together. Make it fun. Switch off who gets to read what so it's never the same. Use a timer. Allow 15 minutes of whatever they want to do after the first 15 of homework. Pay attention to signs of boredom or any other behavior which might signal concern. Put in some time now so it pays off for their future!"
"I think that test prep should be done during the school year rather than having an unusual heavy focus around January. At my daughter's school, they do a pretty good job of doing this during the school year, but I can feel at times increased pressure (in January for March's test). As a parent, I try to keep her balanced and find creative ways to learn, be it playing Lingo on the computer or doing quizzes from Animal Planet. I think that kids should not feel like they are on a 'production conveyor belt;' learning should be balanced, fun and interesting."
Break the information into chunks. "What I have found works for our 9-year-old regarding getting ready for tests is to break the information up into smaller sections," says reader Jane Scott of Illinois. "Sometimes they are so overwhelmed by the amount of content they need to learn, they don't feel capable of learning/remembering any of it. By breaking the information up, one can feel successful when the information is retained and can be ready to move onto more content.
"Also, make sure they take a snack or stretch break. They can start to feel anxious when all they need to do is get a snack and replenish."
Review homework, try memory games. A Houston mom emphasizes the importance of staying on top of daily assignments:
"First, make sure the child completes all their assigned homework. If parents also check their child's homework, the parent will see if the child understands what they are doing, and can review and explain the difficult parts in a way that best suits their child's learning ability. Review the chapters, class material, study sheets and notes with the child a day or two (or more) before the test, depending on age level.
"Older children may choose to study with each other if they are good students and have accurate homework and notes. For the few parts that just 'don't sink in,' kids and parents can make up silly phrases or clues or jingles to help jog the memory. Because they are silly, the child will remember it and will usually get it right. If the child (with their parents' guidance) has done all of the above, they should feel less stressed and confident to do their best on the test."
Practice with your kids. "When my kids have a test for school or for an after-school activity, I make sure to study/practice with them," one parent writes. "The most important is telling them they're ready, and I've noticed that gives my kids confidence. Studying/practicing with them also makes it more enjoyable for my kids, this way they don't get bored or lose focus."
Basic study skills are key. A parent of a high school student points out the importance of learning the basic study skills, including note taking, in earlier grades:
"Children must have good study habits, and know what to study. Chapter review is always a good reference for the test. Make sure to pay attention to the headings in bold. Good note taking is always a good reference….
"Bottom line, the students need to get and grasp their core subjects at the elementary level, so that they will be prepared for the next level of their education. Just this morning, my daughter's high school teacher told me that he is seeing a lack of organization skills, and his students do not know how to take effective notes."
Advice for Test Day
Read a good book. A parent of an 8-year-old advises:
"Children should never be stressed the previous day to the test. Allow them to read a good story, or better, read them a good story — a story which will help them overcome their fears. Singing is another good option. On the day of the test, send them to school with smiling face."
Teach relaxation techniques. Dad Keith Wright says: "My son sometimes has problems with stressing on the day of big test. I've found the best remedy is to have him clear his head of all the distractions or negative thoughts and have him take deep relaxing breaths. And to focus on doing his best and not worrying about what grade he will achieve. So far he does well but a reminding thought on his effort instead of the outcome seems to take a lot of the stress out of these times. I hope this will help."
Try peppermint. A mom of three sons ages 3, 6, and 10, says: "Have the teacher give students peppermints to suck on and/or to scent the room with peppermint. Peppermint helps to relieve stress and it helps the brain to concentrate."
Instill confidence. "I tell my child to do the best he can," a parent writes. "I will tell him how well he is prepared for the test. I always try to keep his spirit up. ... I also give him tips like not to rush with the answers and to stay calm while giving his answers."
Kids With Learning Challenges
Calming techniques for child with ADHD. One Texas parent writes:
"My oldest daughter has ADHD. Although she is academically very gifted, her teachers have referred to her as being 'high strung' around test times. To pull her stress levels down and allow her to concentrate better, we have a couple of tricks that we use. The first is aromatherapy. I purchased some essential oil of lavender and rosemary. When Jordan is feeling especially stressed, she has been taught to close her eyes, quiet her mind and rub a couple of drops of this oil behind her ear. We've done this since she was 6 years old and now, at 17, she tells me that the minute she smells lavender or rosemary anywhere, she immediately feels calmer. "
"The other trick we use is an oil-filled glitter stick. As a younger child, she was extremely impulsive and could become quite agitated. We purchased a glitter wand that is about 8 inches long. Her ritual is to hold the wand upright until all of the glitter settles into the bottom, to turn it over and allow the glitter to settle again. Three turns of the wand usually buys her enough time to get past the immediate impulse to become angry and she tells me that concentrating on watching the pretty glitter find a home in the bottom of the wand helps her to become calmer."
Stay informed about test schedules. "I have two boys with ADHD/ADD," an Alabama mom writes. "One is in third grade and one in second. Their teachers do an excellent job of sending home newsletters each week to let us know what is coming up in the test department.
"We go over information each night that might be on the test. The night before the test, we go to the YMCA and do a little swimming. This gives their bodies a little stress break as well as their minds. They get a good night's rest and always a good breakfast.
"Does this work? You bet! Zach and Ryan are both honor roll students and have been since first grade."
Updated January 2008
More on GreatSchools.net
