Getting ready for a test is something every student experiences. The skills



required for test preparation are necessary throughout one's entire school career.

Children in first grade need just as many test taking skills as a student striving

to attain a doctorate in graduate school. Success during an exam not only requires

test taking skills, but also proper preparation. While there are countless ways

to get ready for a test, there are 5 that stand out as the most beneficial.

Systematic Material Skimming

The best way to help your child get ready for a test is to teach him/her how

to correctly study. When exams cover an entire chapter, or multiple chapters

of information, children tend to become overwhelmed. The best place to start

is right at the beginning of the material. Have your child read all the chapter

titles, heading titles, and definitions. Usually text books contain review questions

at the end of each chapter or section. Read the review questions. Even if your

child doesn't know the answers, it will let him/her know where to focus energy.

Flashcards

Flashcards can be used when your child is getting ready for a test with a partner,

or studying alone. Flashcards work best if your child is the one to create them.

Not only do they get the benefit of quiz repetition, but they also have the

benefit of physically writing down study material.

Study Sheet of Difficult Information

While your child is getting ready for a test, he/she will come across information

that is difficult to remember. Everyone has certain facts, figures, definitions,

and dates that never seem to come to mind. Have your child write down particularly

difficult information on a special study sheet. This sheet can be referenced

immediately before the test to refresh the memory.

Quiz Child Using Review Sheet

Your child should never have to study alone. Getting ready for a test is mentally

and emotionally draining. If your child doesn't have a study buddy, volunteer

yourself. Most instructors hand out review worksheets. Quiz your child on the

worksheet beginning 3 or 4 days before the exam. If the teacher does not provide

a review worksheet, have your child create their own.

Enforce Homework Completion Each Day

Perhaps the best way to help your child get ready for a test is to help him/her

absorb the information each day. Each night, ask your son or daughter what was

learned in class and what type of homework was given. Have a specific time in

which homework should be completed. If your child needs help, make yourself

available. Getting ready for a test is much easier if information is digest

over a few weeks, rather than crammed into 1 or 2 nights.

Testing is no picnic. It doesn't, however, need to be a stressful event filled

with anxiety and fear. Preparation is the key to successful test taking. Getting

ready for a test is simple if you help your child with these 5 study techniques.