It’s NAPLAN week across Australia, and while these are an important test and indicator of academic standards, it’s important to remember they do not define who your child is!

Our teachers have put together 8 useful tips to help you and your child, whether they’re in Year 3, 5, 7 or 9 to prepare for NAPLAN, or any test for that matter.

1. HAVE A GO AT EVERY QUESTION. 

Each question is worth 1 point so encourage your child to do all the questions he/she can do first, then to go back and work on the others - the test does not have to be done in order. 

2. READ THE WHOLE QUESTION BEFORE DECIDING ON AN ANSWER. 
There will be questions that are difficult, so encourage your child not to stress, rather step through them and do his/her best 

3. VIEW THE TESTS AS ANOTHER LEARNING EXPERIENCE RATHER THAN SOMETHING TO BE FEARED. 
This test does not define you, but can help you grow and improve.

4. FOLLOW THE SAME MORNING ROUTINE AS YOU WOULD NORMALLY.
Encourage a healthy breakfast. A mix of proteins and complex carbohydrates may give your brain the energy it needs to perform. And drink plenty of water.

5. GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP!
Switch off the electronic devices and get a good night sleep and improve performance.

6. ARRIVE EARLY TO THE EXAMINATION VENUE. 
This gives you time to prepare, get a drink of water, use the restroom without worry. 

7. EXERCISE

Light exercise and stretching in the afternoon helps improve your ability to get to sleep and the sleep quality. It can also remove the tension from a day of exams. 

8. BE CONFIDENT AND DO YOUR BEST 

Go into the exam with a confident attitude and focus on attempting all questions to the best of your ability.  

If you or your child have any concerns about sitting the NAPLAN test, please contact the College on 07 4698 7777.

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Mary MacKillop Catholic College, Highfields.