Ways to Help Get Your Child Through State Testing

There is a lot of controversy surrounding state testing. Whether you are for or against it, the fact of the matter is that it is still happening. Even if your student is a good test taker, state testing can be overwhelming. While these tests can bring about added stress, there are things you can do to help get your kid through. 

Study With Him

While state tests will not make or break your child's future, you do want him to do his best. Working with your student at home will not only help him do better on the test, but it can also help teach him healthy study habits for the future. If you don't know what resources to use, there are plenty of worksheets online that you can print off at home that cover everything from what is a predicate to complex math equations. Ask your kid's teacher what he needs to work on the most, so you can provide the right kind of help. If your child is resisting putting in extra practice, try a study game. There are plenty of ideas online, or you can make up your own. 

Show Your Support

You are your kid's number one fan, so make sure he knows this. Sending notes in his lunch to say how proud you are can actually make your child's day. If you really want to put him in the spirit, put together a testing care package. Try putting in a stress ball, fun pencils and cute erasers, a healthy treat, or even a little toy. Whatever you choose, make sure to tailor towards what your child likes. For the morning of the test, consider making your kid a special breakfast. Know that he will have been sitting silently for most of the day, so you might want to plan a fun activity for after school that day. Most importantly, always shower your child with words of encouragement. 

Don't Add Pressure

It can be tempting to want your kid to be at the top, but adding undue pressure can cause your child to have test anxiety and end up decreasing his score. As long as you've supported your child and explained to him the importance of doing his very best, you've covered your bases. State tests can help give you an idea of where your child is academically, but they do not look at the whole child. It is important to understand that this test does not define who your kid is. Let your student know this. The school is probably already putting enough pressure on the kids to do well, so you don't want to add your child's worry. No matter how you feel about state testing, try to stay positive about it for your child's sake. Try to find a delicate balance of supporting your child through it and not adding extra pressure. Know that this can be a stressful time for your kid, so he might require a little extra love. Just remember that at the end of the day, all that really matters is that you have a happy and healthy kid.