Test Taking Tips for Elementary Students
Tests are important because they help the teacher evaluate a student's needs and progress, the student gauges his or her own level of mastery, and the parent monitors his or her child's progress.
Tips to give your child about taking tests:
- Relax. Just do the best you can.
- Your first choice is usually correct. Don't change an answer unless you have a good reason to do so.
- Be aware of key words such as "all", "now", "always", "never", "only", "exactly".
- In multiple-choice questions, don't skip the longest answer. It should be considered, since test writers want to be sure the correct answer is accurate--they may add lots of details to insure accuracy.
- Watch for negative words like "not", "no", "never".
- Look for information in some of the questions. This information may help you answer other questions.
You can assist your child to prepare for testing by doing the following:
- Make sure your child gets a good night's sleep before a test, and make sure your child eats properly the day of a test.
- Maintain a pleasant home environment and avoid unnecessary conflicts. Try to make the morning of the test a pleasant one. Do not add to your child's stress.
- Make sure your child has taken any needed medication.
- Ensure that your child is present during testing (children generally perform better when taking tests in their groups rather than at a make-up time).
- Get your child to school on time the day of the test.
- Wish your child good luck each morning of the test. Tell your child that he/she is special and that you believe in him/her!
- Remind your child the test is important. Encourage him/her to do his/her best.
- If your child is too ill to attend, please call the school office.
- If the test is on a subject for which you can review (such as a spelling test), help your child go over the material.
- Remind your child to listen carefully to the instructions from the teacher and to read the directions and ask questions carefully.
- Explain to your child the importance of using time wisely. If your child gets stuck on a question, encourage him or her to make the best guess and move on.
- Tell your child to attempt to answer all of the questions and not to leave any blank.
- Encourage your child to stay focused on the test, even if other students finish early.
- If your child is disappointed after taking a test, reassure him or her that there will be plenty of opportunities to improve and succeed.