Preparing your kids for NAPLAN

Published: 30 Apr 2021 Tagged: childrenEducationNAPLANparentsprimary schoolersschoolschoolsstandardsstudentsstudystudy habitsteacherstips

Every year, the National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests the performance of students from Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. This test is extremely relevant for the education sector because it establishes benchmarks and allows deeper analyses regarding school curriculum.

However, it becomes a source of stress for many parents and children who want to reach high grades in it. The very nature of NAPLAN is actually to establish a standard in order to guide educational institutions towards improvement, and it’s not a simple “extra test” just to frustrate students. In order to help children in the moments before NAPLAN, we have created this list with some very useful tips for better performance on NAPLAN test day:

• No pressure, just a calm mind. Children need to be free from extra pressure. They already have their own stressful moments from the traditional tests, so it’s not helpful having this extra stress, at all.
• NAPLAN practice tests. These practice tests can be easily found on the internet or prepared by some specialised learning institutes, since the demand for preparation for NAPLAN is increasing. By practicing those simulated tests, children can feel more confident with content and structure.
• Time management. It’s good for schools to provide tips and techniques for the best use of time when doing any kind of test, including NAPLAN. Some technique such as elimination processes for multiple alternative questions or brainstorming for written answers could make a huge difference.
• Emotional support. Both parents and teachers need to be always there for their children, so it is always effective keeping a close relationship by asking how the children are feeling about tests, their daily study routines etc. They need to feel embraced, supported and stimulated, which will positively influence in their performance.
• Pre-test routine. Before the NAPLAN test day, the child should have a good night of sleep to be sufficiently relaxed for the following day. Also, a rich breakfast must be prepared for the child’s energy. Any other morning routines should be maintained, especially because they might help distract the child from getting anxious about the moment of test.

With these tips, we hope your children can have a great performance on NAPLAN test day with no stress. Speakable will be always at your service to provide special training to your children, so they can have better learning skills to go well in any test!