Ensure that your child is studying for the math test at least a week before the test date. Help your child go over the material and try making up practice tests and quizzes, which will help your child become used to taking math tests. Encourage your child to try to solve problems by himself before looking at the answers or asking for help. Help your child make up study sheets they can refer to while studying.
Make sure your child is well rested in the days leading up to and the night before the math test, which will help keep the mind sharp and focused (as will a good breakfast). Maintain a relaxing home environment to avoid adding to your child's stress, and refrain from dropping your child off at school late on the day of the test. Wish your child luck and tell her that you believe in her and how special she is. Gently remind the child that the test is important and to do her best.
Tell your child to remember to relax when taking the test and that the first answer he thinks of is generally the correct one. Remind him to listen carefully to the teacher's instructions and read all directions on the test before attempting any problems. Tell your child to show all of his or her work, which can sometimes lead to partial credit for correct procedure, even if the resulting answer is incorrect. Also remind your child not to panic if other students finish their tests before he does. Tell him to use as much of the allotted time as necessary and to answer all questions. Instruct your child to carefully review his work before handing in the test.
Although answering all math-test questions is important, encourage your child not to spend too much time on one problem, which can result in an unfinished test. Tell your child to instead make the best guess possible and move on to other questions, though he may return to a problem question when he finishes the rest of the test. If your child is unsatisfied with his test results, let him know there will be more opportunities to improve math grades. Focus on what study habits were effective and disregard those that were not.