5 Ways To Help Your Child Get Ready For A Test

Getting ready for a test is something every student experiences. The skills
required for test preparation are necessary throughout one's entire school career.
Children in first grade need just as many test taking skills as a student striving
to attain a doctorate in graduate school. Success during an exam not only requires
test taking skills, but also proper preparation. While there are countless ways
to get ready for a test, there are 5 that stand out as the most beneficial.

Systematic Material Skimming
The best way to help your child get ready for a test is to teach him/her how
to correctly study. When exams cover an entire chapter, or multiple chapters
of information, children tend to become overwhelmed. The best place to start
is right at the beginning of the material. Have your child read all the chapter
titles, heading titles, and definitions. Usually text books contain review questions
at the end of each chapter or section. Read the review questions. Even if your
child doesn't know the answers, it will let him/her know where to focus energy.

Flashcards
Flashcards can be used when your child is getting ready for a test with a partner,
or studying alone. Flashcards work best if your child is the one to create them.
Not only do they get the benefit of quiz repetition, but they also have the
benefit of physically writing down study material.
Study Sheet of Difficult Information
While your child is getting ready for a test, he/she will come across information
that is difficult to remember. Everyone has certain facts, figures, definitions,
and dates that never seem to come to mind. Have your child write down particularly
difficult information on a special study sheet. This sheet can be referenced
immediately before the test to refresh the memory.
Quiz Child Using Review Sheet
Your child should never have to study alone. Getting ready for a test is mentally
and emotionally draining. If your child doesn't have a study buddy, volunteer
yourself. Most instructors hand out review worksheets. Quiz your child on the
worksheet beginning 3 or 4 days before the exam. If the teacher does not provide
a review worksheet, have your child create their own.
Enforce Homework Completion Each Day
Perhaps the best way to help your child get ready for a test is to help him/her
absorb the information each day. Each night, ask your son or daughter what was
learned in class and what type of homework was given. Have a specific time in
which homework should be completed. If your child needs help, make yourself
available. Getting ready for a test is much easier if information is digest
over a few weeks, rather than crammed into 1 or 2 nights.
Testing is no picnic. It doesn't, however, need to be a stressful event filled
with anxiety and fear. Preparation is the key to successful test taking. Getting
ready for a test is simple if you help your child with these 5 study techniques.