Teach your child strategies to handle the stress of taking a standardized test. These test sessions often require students to sit for long periods of time without official "breaks" to regroup. Explain to your child that it is OK to take a minute to relax if she feels nervous during the exam. A few deep breaths can go a long way for keeping her relaxed and focused. Remind her that, while these tests are timed, it is important to stay relaxed so she can perform to the best of her ability. Develop a list of strategies with your child, write them down and post them on your refrigerator so she can review them on the days leading up the test.
Practice sample standardized tests prior to the actual official test. Purchase a testing book or check one out from your local library. These books provide you with ample sample questions that you can practice with your child. Set up the experience to resemble the actual testing circumstances as much as possible. Sit the child at a desk or table alone, and time the test just like the real thing. This will help him get used to working with a timer and in an isolated location.
Hire a tutor to help your child review testing procedures and strategies. Hearing the ideas from someone other than you helps reinforce the ideas you are also teaching her. In addition, this affords your child the opportunity to ask questions he may be afraid or intimidated to ask you or his teacher. A professional tutor possesses the training to help each child meet individual needs and goals. Therefore, speak with the tutor prior to the first session with your child and talk about any specific skills you wish for her to focus on during the sessions.
Give your child one practice test question per day. Create notecards with a real test question taken from a sample test on the front. On the back of the card, write the answer so the child can self-check his work. Hand him at least one notecard per day, and ask your child to review old notecards, as well.
Meet with your child's teacher prior to the test and discuss any concepts he feels your child needs to work on. Based on daily classroom assessments, the teacher should be able to provide you with specific skills such as reading comprehension or vocabulary that you can focus on during test preparation. Doing so will help your child secure these skills that will appear on the upcoming test. Make a list of these skills and ask the teacher for additional classroom materials to reinforce these concepts at home.