Performance on a classroom test can influence a child’s education in many ways. It can affect a year’s grade in a particular subject, or measure a child’s ability to learn, and determine future placement in a school.

Yet, the pressure to perform and score well on a test at school can also elevate greatly a child’s anxiety.

Trepidation about just taking a test can result a poor score. It is therefore important that a child should feel prepared and comfortable before sitting down to take a test.

Parents can play an important role in helping a child prepare for a school test by practicing the following measures from the U.S. Department of Education:

¢ Attempt to keep expectations for a test score in line. Putting too much emphasis on a test score can upset a child. Also, remember that a test score is not a perfect measure for a child’s ability. So don’t place too much weight on a single test.

¢ Offer praise and encouragement for the things a child does well. This can help build a foundation for positive self-esteem.

¢ Meet with your child’s teacher as often as possible to discuss the child’s progress, and to explore ways to help the child prepare for tests.

¢ See to it that your child attends school regularly. The more effort a child puts into learning, the more likely a positive result will come at test time.

¢ Create a quiet, comfortable place for studying at home.

¢ Make sure your child receives plenty of rest on school days and especially the day of a test.

¢ Provide your child with a well-rounded diet. A healthy body fuels a fresh, active mind.

¢ Provide books and magazines for children to read at home. New reading materials might help a child discover and learn new words that might appear on a test. Also ask your child’s school about a suggested outside reading or get suggestions from the public library.