Building Your Child’s Test Taking and Study Skills A simple guide to improving your child’s academic performance. Presented by: Skip Ruzicka School Counselor

10 Ways To Help Your Child Do Better On Tests Review the subject matter together for upcoming tests. Make sure your child gets a good nights sleep before every test. Serve your child a light, healthy breakfast on test day. Have your child dress comfortably & arrive at school on time. Send your child off to school with words of praise & support.

10 Ways To Help Your Child Do Better On Tests (Contd.) Suggest your child do deep breathing exercises to relax before test begins. Tell your child to follow directions carefully & ask questions if something is not clear. Advise your child to do easiest questions first, then the rest. Remind your child to check answers before turning the test in. Encourage wanting to do well, but stress that one test won’t measure all your child can do.

10 Ways To Help Your Child Do Better On Tests (Contd.) Remember: Children who love learning are more likely to do better on tests. Instill a positive attitude about school.

10 Ways To Help Your Child Deal With Test Stress Explain to your child that we all have stress at times & we learn to handle it. Encourage your child to discuss any concerns he/she may have about tests. Remind your child that tests aren’t the end of the world. Say “It’s important to do your best, but I’ll love you no matter what.” Build your child’s self-esteem everyday; confidence alleviates stress.

10 Ways To Help Your Child Deal With Test Stress (Contd.) Teach quick ways to reduce stress ie. taking deep breaths, stretching, shoulder rolls, or picturing a relaxing scene. Promote good nutrition, sufficient sleep, and exercise. A good nights sleep and a healthy breakfast are essential on test days. Allow plenty of time to get to school on test day so your child won’t feel rushed. Help your child practice “positive thinking.” If your child expects to do well they will be less stressed.

10 Ways To Help Your Child Deal With Test Stress (Contd.) Praise your child for handling stress and having a positive outlook about the tests. Set an example for your child by handling you own stress in a healthy way. Try to be calm & optimistic even under stressful situations. Remember: Children reflect their parents attitudes. Be positive about school and test taking & avoid showing your own stress about your child’s test.

10 Ways To Help Build Your Child’s Study Skills Set-up a regular study time in a quiet, comfortable place with no distractions. Encourage daily study, even if there is no homework. Reading / reviewing lessons will get your child in the habit of studying everyday. Make sure your child keeps track of assignments & has all the study tools needed for homework.

10 Ways To Help Build Your Child’s Study Skills (Contd.) Allow study breaks every 20 minutes or so, & offer nutritious snacks. Help your child break large tasks into several smaller ones to study more efficiently. Have your child set goals before each assignment & organize study priorities to reach them. (Read with a purpose) Teach your child the value of being organized & keeping homework together.

10 Ways To Help Build Your Child’s Study Skills (Contd.) Use study aids, such as quizzes, flashcards, reading out loud, & tape recorder. Let child know it’s “ok” to ask the teacher for help & that you’re available too. Consider having your child study with a partner IF it helps both of them learn. Remember: Always reward your child’s efforts to build good study skills. Praise goes a long way!