Academic Testing: A Life Lesson (NAPSA)—Studentsof all ages take a variety of tests throughout the schoolyear, and to ensure students are on theright track, experts agree,it is more important than ever for parents to work with teachers and extended family members to prepare their youngsters from both an academic and emotional perspective. Considerthese tips from Champions, a nationwide provider of before- and after-school programs, to help prepare yourchild for testing success. MonthsBefore Testing: * Start by sharing with your child that, as adults, we are also expected to learn new information, processes andskills and that we haveto be able to demonstrate and are evaluated on what we have learned. Sharing your personal experiences might help reduce someof the pressure that manychildren feel. They'll know they'renotalone. * Establish regular study routines. Research shows that students who study in an environmentthat is similar to the actual testing environment(lighting, seating, time bound and so on) perform betterontests. * Talk to your child’s teachers about the test experience—what will betested, the formatof the test (multiple choice, essay)—to help better understand how to work with your child on similar homework assignments. Help make the connectionto the testing experience. * Monitor your child's progress throughout the year to understand what your child needs in the way ofadditional support or practice. Parents can encourage their children at testing time in many ways. Days Priorto the Test: Ensurethat yourchild eats a healthy breakfast and gets enough sleepto perform well. Avoid schedule disruptions the week of the test such as doctor/dentist appointments, etc. * Provide tools needed for the test. It’s amazing what a morale booster having new pencils and erasers can provide. Lay everything outthe night prior. * Dress for success. Having something that children feel good about wearing helps to provide another layer of security and a tangible component to help them feel prepared. Encourage yourchild to ask questions to get clarity on test directions. * Practice easy stress management and relaxation techniques: deep breathing when their chest feels tight; “Squeeze Lemons” (tighten fists up and release); “Elephant Stomp”(envision that you are lying in a jungle and an elephant steps on your stomach; tense up to support his weight andrelease whenhestepsoff). * Don't causeadditionalstress. If you find yourself anxious, distance yourself from those emotions to helpalleviate any stress yourchild mightbe feeling. After the Test: * Debrief with your child about the test experience (ie., what went well, what they think they could do next time,etc.) to help them preparefor future test experiences. * Onceresults are in, go over whatthe scores are and what they mean. Relate lessons learned in a testing experience to homework and school assignments to help “connect the dots” on how regular school-day learning relatesto test success. * Celebrate your children’s achievements regardless of their scores. “Just as children were taught to read,ride a bike or navigate a computer, there are simple activities to perform,conversations to have and steps to take that can assist students in becoming more comfortable and confident whentesting time rolls around,” says Janeal Roberts,vice president of Education for Championsprograms. good thingis for children and parentsto realize that this is one of many important phasesoftheir life that will challenge them. Working together to develop a supportive environment and proactive plan will most always bring a positive result. For more information, visit www.discoverchampions.com.
