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From their earliest days in school, kids quickly discover that test taking is part of the educational landscape, whether it’s a weekly quiz, a reading proficiency test or a major national or state exam. A few kids are “naturals” at testing and sail through most situations without much stress.

For many children, test taking — especially the national and state standardized tests — is a time of high frustration and anxiety. Here are 4 R’s to help you help your child feel confident about tests — big and small — throughout their school years.

Receptive

Attitude is everything. Help your student have a receptive attitude toward school in general and test taking in particular by emphasizing that it’s just one part of the learning experience. Remind them that a test is simply a measuring stick to see “how much they have learned — not how much they have not learned.”

Relaxed

Don’t let your child get hung up about how hard a certain test might be, the negative consequences of doing poorly and other fears. Reduce the anxiety level by reminding your child about the satisfaction of trying their best when preparing for and taking tests. Make sure that your child knows that you think that he/she will do well on the test and let them know that your approval of him/her as a person is not dependent on their score. Remember that anxiety can block the best-prepared student from doing well on a test.

Ready

Become knowledgeable about the tests your child takes. Tests assess a child’s knowledge at a particular point in time. Be sure that your child has completed the day-by-day schoolwork upon which tests are based. Be informed about the testing at each grade level and pay particular attention to those grades where the children take standardized state and national tests. For state and national tests, find out how the school prepares the students and what help parents can provide. Ask your school for parent information packets on these tests, or find out if the PTA would organize a program on this subject and even let parents try taking a sample test.

Rested

Whenever a test will be given, make sure that your child gets plenty of sleep the night before the test; has a good breakfast — and — goes to school that day!

Adapted from “How to Help Your Child Prepare for Tests,” by Allan Edwards, in Tips to Parents, published by Livonia Public Schools, Livonia, Mich.

1. Talk with your child every day about his or her school experiences, successes and worries.
2. Read the school handbook and all notices that the school sends home.
3. Meet your child's teacher and attend parent-teacher conferences when they are offered.
4. Consult your child's teacher or school staff whenever you have concerns.
5. Attend open houses, school events, programs.
6. Stay aware of your child's academic progress. Praise all earnest efforts and accomplishments.
7. Review homework assignments each day and help your child organize time and work.
8. Provide learning experiences. Visit museums, watch educational TV shows, and have books and other learning materials available at home.
9. Join the school's parent-teacher association and participate in activities.
10. Volunteer at school. From classroom assistance to field trips, school fairs, and fundraisers, there are many opportunities to offer your services.