The end of the school year is approaching, and along with it, end-of-year tests. The testing period can feel stressful or even scary for kids. To help eliminate test-taking anxiety, this test prep parent guide offers simple ways to build your child’s confidence and stamina at home. With the right support, test day can feel like just another school day.

The Importance of End of Year Tests

Before we dive into the test prep parent guide, you might we wondering…why do your kids even need to take these tests? Your child's school uses the end of year tests to measure academic growth and grade level skill mastery. Of course we know these tests only show a small snippet of your child, they can pinpoint academic strengths, and areas of improvement. Next year's teacher can use this data to craft their lessons to best suit the needs of their class.

Now that we know the importance of these tests, let's dive in to how to help your child prepare.

Easy Ways to Build Test Stamina at Home: Your Test Prep Parent Guide

Alright, here it is—our test prep parent guide! Try zeroing in on the areas where your child needs the most improvement. Or, dabble in all the subject areas for a well rounded test prep.

Reading – Read and Discuss Short Passages Together

To support reading comprehension, use passages with your child. This can help them recall key details and confidently answer questions on what they've read.

Reading Comprehension Routine:

1. Have your child read a passage out loud to you.
2. Ask questions after the reading such as:
   • What is the main idea?
   • What happened first, next, and last?
   • Can you find evidence for your answer in the text?
3. Repeat this routine until your child answers comprehension questions like a pro!

Need passages? These are our favorite for test prep. (link)

Math – Play Math Facts Games

Playing games is a fantastic way to help your child practice math facts while keeping learning fun and engaging at home. Here are our favorite math fact games.

Explore a Forest of Facts

Solve addition problems with a fun forest feel.

Beaver Builders

Focusing on subtraction, the game play continues until a player gets five in a row.

Bump Games

Bump games are easy to play and loved by students. Bonus – bump games are available for a wide array of math skills! The only things needed are the printable game board and game pieces. (These could be anything: pebbles, coins, cut up pieces of paper, etc.)

Subtracting Seasons Bump

Botanical Bump (Addition)

Test Taking Skill – Practice Following Multi Step Directions

Practicing multi-step directions with your child is a fun way to help them build important skills for end-of-year tests. It boosts their confidence and gets them ready for those tricky instructions they'll face.

Some sample activities to try:

Hiking Directions

Kids follow ten step directions, while coloring.

Directed Drawings

Using either the video or printable format for these drawings, your child will practice following step-by-step directions while creating a masterpiece.

Encourage Growth Mindset

A growth mindset helps kids believe they can improve with practice. Remind them that mistakes are proof they are trying. Cheer them on with phrases like, ‘You’ve got this!' Use these fun resources to build their confidence and make test prep a little less stressful!

Home Connection

Hang this up on your fridge as a quick reminder & encouragement for your child.

Scenario Cards

These cards can help you walk your child through possible scenarios in which they will need a growth mindset. As a parent myself, these cards helped me feel like my child was ready to tackle the school day worries that may come their way, even without my guidance.

Goal Mountain

Setting goals, working toward them, and finally achieving them brings a sense of success like no other. Set goals together and hang up their mountain for visual goal tracking.

Prioritize Rest, Movement, and Nutrition

A few last minute test prep tips from teacher to parent.

Making sure kids get plenty of sleep, move their bodies, and eat healthy before test day is key to helping them perform at their best. Rest gives their brains a chance to recharge and stay focused, while staying active helps reduce stress and boost energy. Eating nutritious meals ensures their brains have the fuel they need to think clearly and stay sharp. When kids take care of their bodies, they’re more confident, calm, and ready to tackle the test!

Are you a teacher? Grab a few more test taking tips here: Test Prep Guide for K-3 teachers.

Test Prep for $1

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