Most states have a yearly assessment requirement for homeschoolers. If you are planning to use the standardized testing option, here are three tips to help your child reach his or her potential.  

Prepare Your Child

Make sure your child knows the purpose of the test. Take the pressure off by explaining that the test will show you what you forgot to teach this year, and what you should teach next year. Practice the same strategies you would before any important event: get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast (or maybe a filling breakfast of blueberry pancakes?), and prepare the testing area and materials the day before so your child already knows what to expect. The last thing to do before the test begins is to share a smile, a hug, a good luck kiss and tell your child how proud you are.

Manage Test Anxiety

Test anxiety is a learned behavior. When I taught Kinder and First Graders, I presented testing as a fun way to see how much each child knew. My students actually cheered – yes, cheered! – when I announced a test. (This baffled my principal at the time.) If you are anxious about testing, your child will sense it. Managing your child’s anxiety starts with managing your own anxiety. What worries you about the test results? Does your state attach consequences to your child’s test results? Do you measure your success as a homeschool mom by the test results?

Take Time to Teach Test Taking: The 5 T’s

The 5 T’s require very little time and effort on your part but can reap big rewards. Teach your child …

• to take the practice test so the test format will be familiar.
• how to eliminate obvious wrong answers on multiple choice questions.
• that it is okay to guess on a problem that is taking too long and move on (especially if the test is timed).
• to make use of available resources such as a calculator or scratch paper.
• not to overthink test questions.
• to read questions carefully and pay attention to what the question is asking.
• to double check answers if time allows.
• to be aware of the time on a timed test and set a realistic time limit for each problem.

Keep in mind that a test is only one, small measurement of your child’s academic knowledge. Tests do not measure character, attitude, or effort. Tests are not always accurate reflections of a child’s abilities. It is best to accept the test results for what they are – a snapshot of your child’s academic abilities on a certain day, at a certain time.  If you still have anxiety about the annual assessment, Homeschool Sunshine Coaching is here to help.  Get started today!