by: Lindsay Hutton
To help children prepare adequately for tests (whether teacher-made or standardized), you can do several things to provide support and create a positive test-taking experience.
![Pile of open books on table. Pile of open books on table.](/sites/default/files/fe_slideshow/1999_07/Study_Materials_H.jpg)
Study the Material
The best way to prepare for tests is to study, know the work, and take the right courses.
![Frustrated boy sitting with head in hands surrounded by books. Frustrated boy sitting with head in hands surrounded by books.](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Frustrated_Young_Boy_H.jpg)
Help Your Child Relax
If your child is nervous at test time, ask her teacher for tips on helping her relax.
![Closeup of young girl concentrating on school work. Closeup of young girl concentrating on school work.](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Girl_Writing_At_School_H.jpg)
Plan Your Schedule Accordingly
Make sure that your child is in school during the testing sessions. Do not plan any doctor or dental appointments on test dates.
![Back view of father and son talking on playground Back view of father and son talking on playground](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Father_Son_Talking_12_H.jpg)
Ask Your Child How He Did
Make sure that you are aware of your child's performance and that you can help interpret the results when they become available.
![Close up of scantron sheet and pencil. Close up of scantron sheet and pencil.](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Scantron_Sheet_H.jpg)
Know How the Results Will Affect Your Child
Remember to keep well-informed about your child's tests. Know how test results are used, and how they will affect your child's placement in school.
![Parent and teacher sitting in classroom talking. Parent and teacher sitting in classroom talking.](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Parent_and_Teacher_Talking_H.jpg)
Take Action
If there are major differences between standardized test scores and school grades, find out why.
![Mother helping daughter do homework. Mother helping daughter do homework.](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Mother_and_Daughter_Doing_Homework_H.jpg)
Set a Study Schedule
Encourage your child to study over a period of time rather than "cram" the night before.
![Eager students raising hands in classroom. Eager students raising hands in classroom.](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Raising_Hands_in_Classroom_H.jpg)
Speak Up
Encourage your child to listen carefully to all test-taking directions given by the teacher and to ask questions about any directions that are unclear.
![Young girl sleeping. Young girl sleeping.](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Sleeping_Child_12_H.jpg)
Get Some Sleep
See that your child gets his/her regular amount of sleep before the tests and is well-rested.
![Plate of waffles and berries on table. Plate of waffles and berries on table.](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Waffles_with_Berries_H.jpg)
Eat a Nutritious Breakfast
Make sure that your child eats his/her usual breakfast on the day of the test. Hunger can detract from a good test performance.
![Close up of two parents kissing happy child's cheeks. Close up of two parents kissing happy child's cheeks.](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Parents_Kissing_Child_H.jpg)
Be Her Cheerleader
Encourage your child to do his/her best.
Brought to you by the American School Counselor Association