Get Ahead of the Curve: The Best Test Prep Ideas and Strategies for Middle and High School Students
Many teachers plan a variety of activities to review material to get students prepared.
Teachers know that when standardized testing time comes around, they need to have review materials ready to help their students prepare. Many teachers plan a variety of activities to review the material that was taught in class. This can include reviewing worksheets, practicing test questions, and even watching educational movies. Some teachers even create study guides for their students to use. By preparing these review materials, teachers can help their students feel more confident and prepared for standardized testing. At home while you are trying to support your child during test time it is important to focus on strategies to support your child and help them prepare when it is time for them to show what they know in class.
Hang up test specific information in your child’s study space.
One way to help prepare for big tests is to make sure you have a designated study space in your home. This space should be free from distractions such as the television, video games and social media or anything that you know will distract your child. This can be a desk in your bedroom, a corner of the living room, or even a quiet spot outside. However, you can also take things one step further by hanging up posters that provide specific information and vocabulary related to the test.
For example, if you're preparing for the SATs, there are plenty of resources online that offer free printables. Just do a quick Google search for "SAT vocabulary posters" and you'll find dozens of options. Print out a few different posters and hang them up in your study space so you can review them regularly.
The same idea applies to other types of tests as well.
Help your child see the importance of doing well on the test but avoid putting too much pressure on them.
It is no secret that students often dread taking tests. This is particularly true when the results of those tests can have a significant impact on their lives, such as with college admissions or scholarships. However, we need our students to feel upbeat and energetic about these tests because the results often mean so much. That's why this category is so important.
The good news is that there are plenty of things parents can do to help their children prepare for tests at home. The most important thing is to create a positive environment around testing. Help your child see the importance of doing well on the test but avoid putting too much pressure on them. Remain supportive throughout the process and be sure to praise your child for any progress they make.
Saying that your child should just do your best on tests seems like a cop-out, but in many ways, it's the best advice you can give your kids.
Instead of focusing on doing perfectly, they should study as much as they can without feeling overwhelmed and stay calm and positive during the test. If your child knows that they are capable of doing their best, they'll feel more confident and perform better on the test.
While intelligence and innate ability are certainly factors in success, test-taking strategies are also important.
It is often said that children can know all the content possible and be successful in any field they choose, but this is not always the case. While intelligence and innate ability are certainly factors in success, test-taking strategies are also important. Many students do not realize the importance of these strategies until it’s too late, and they’re struggling to pass their tests.
You can use books and online resources that focus on multiple-choice questions, constructed responses, or both depending on the format of the test and your child’s needs. You can also look for resources that give your children some test-taking tips by having them complete games and other fun activities.
Most don’t enjoy test taking.
While most children don’t enjoy taking tests, if they are in the school setting, they are a necessary part of the educational process. If Parents can find ways, including utilizing some of the ideas above, to support their children through the process of getting prepared for tests it makes the idea of testing less daunting.