I understand entirely the flicker of anxiety, frustration, and determination that dances in your eyes as you watch your little tyke’s forehead scrunch up in concentration, grappling with familiarizing yet alien concepts as their first big test looms. Ah, elementary school tests! They can certainly stir up emotions for you and your child. This article is here to help alleviate some of that stress. In our journey today, we’ll explore five tried-and-tested “test-taking tips for elementary students” that can powerfully enhance the test preparation process, boost confidence, and transform those daunting test papers into a platform for your child to shine brilliantly. Think multi-sensory learning techniques, well-structured study plans, and resilience-building practices. Our aim here? To furnish you with the practical tools to support your child, keeping their unique learning style in mind. We’re marching into the battlefield, dear parents, but rest assured, we are well-equipped!
Table of Contents
1. Read Questions Carefully
One of the first “test-taking tips for elementary students” I share with parents is to teach their kids to read questions carefully. It sounds simple, right? But you’d be surprised how often kids skim over questions in a rush to finish. Please encourage your child to take their time to understand the question fully before attempting to answer it. For instance, if the question is, “Which of the following is NOT a mammal?” — the word ‘NOT’ is crucial. Misreading it could lead to an incorrect answer.
Also, advise them to eliminate obviously wrong answers. This narrows their choices and increases their chances of selecting the correct answer. For example, in a multiple-choice question about the capital of France, if one of the options is ‘New York,’ they can confidently rule that out.
2. Don’t Rush
Another vital tip is not to rush. As the saying goes, “Haste makes waste.” Many bright kids miss out on scoring well simply because they rushed through the test. Teach your child to read every answer before choosing one. This practice can prevent them from choosing a partially correct answer when an entirely correct one is available.
Moreover, they must pace themselves during the test. If your child finishes early, encourage them to review their answers if there’s time left. It’s amazing what a second look can reveal!
3. Avoid Trick Questions
Trick questions can be a real stumbling block for kids. They can confuse students, wasting precious time and compromising the rest of the test. Teach your child to recognize these types of questions and to approach them with caution. If a question seems too easy or too complex, it’s a good idea to revisit it after they’ve answered the rest of the test.
One way to tackle trick questions is to break them down into smaller parts. This makes it easier for your child to understand what’s being asked and to formulate their answer.
Read more: Executive Function Skills by Age | Parents Guide
4. Reread Questions
While reviewing answers is essential, it’s equally important not to reread questions after attempting them. This might sound contradictory, but let me clarify. Once your child has answered a question, they should move on to the next one. Rereading questions can cause doubt and confusion, leading to unnecessary changes in answers.
However, if your child has time after finishing the test, they can review their answers. At this point, rereading the questions can help them ensure they’ve understood and answered them correctly.
5. Use Calming Strategies
Lastly, but certainly not least, teach your child calming strategies. Test anxiety is real, and it can significantly impact a child’s performance. Techniques such as deep breathing exercises, yoga poses, or even using a sand tray can help your child relax and de-stress during the test.
For neurodivergent kids or kids with thinking and learning differences, these strategies can be particularly beneficial. They can help manage sensory overload, maintain focus, and promote a sense of calm. Remember, a relaxed mind is a receptive mind!
Goally | Apps To Support Child Development
Looking for fun ways to help your child learn life skills? Try Goally! The Goally tablet comes with award-winning learning apps and video classes to help kids develop the skills they need to become independent with FUN & evidence-based practices.
Our apps teach executive function, language, emotional regulation, finger dexterity skills, and more.
As your child develops new skills, you can increase the difficulty level of the tasks in the app to challenge and motivate them even further. This helps your child grow and progress at their own pace, while also keeping them engaged and excited about their development.
Taking a test isn’t about cramming information; it’s about adopting effective strategies. By teaching your child to read questions carefully, not to rush, to handle trick questions wisely, to avoid rereading questions, and to use calming strategies, you’re equipping them with skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom. Remember, these “test-taking tips for elementary students” are not just about passing a test but about fostering a healthy, balanced approach to learning and problem-solving. So, let’s empower our kids to face tests with confidence and resilience, transforming these challenges into opportunities for growth.
FAQ’s About Test Taking Tips for Elementary Students
What are some effective test taking tips for elementary students? Key tips include reading questions carefully, not rushing, avoiding trick questions, not rereading questions, and using calming strategies. How can I help my child avoid rushing during tests? Teach your child to read every answer before choosing one and to review their answers if time permits. How can my child handle trick questions on tests? Teach your child to recognize trick questions, break them down into smaller parts, and revisit them after answering the rest of the test. Should my child reread questions after attempting them? No, rereading questions can cause doubt and confusion. It's better to move on to the next question and review answers at the end if time allows. What calming strategies can help my child during tests? Techniques such as deep breathing exercises, yoga poses, or using a sand tray can help your child relax and de-stress during the test.
Emily is a seasoned blog writer for Goally, leveraging her extensive background in child psychology and special education to provide valuable insights and resources for parents. Her commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of these children, combined with her expertise in educational strategies, makes her a credible and empathetic voice for families.
