Expert Advice on NAPLAN Preparation

Preparing Your Child for NAPLAN

Experts agree that good NAPLAN preparation is the key to success in the exam. 

NAPLAN measures the reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy skills of students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. It is designed to assess higher-order problem-solving and interpretation skills. 

NAPLAN assesses skills that have been developed over time, so ‘cramming’ for the exam is not much use. NAPLAN tutoring is an ideal way to prepare for the exam. 

Follow these steps recommended by experts to ensure your student is ready.

Tips for NAPLAN Preparation 

      *Keep It In Perspective

While students receive individual results for the NAPLAN test, it does not replace school-based assessments and only provides an overall snapshot of each child’s progress. Its purpose is to help educators design a curriculum that meets students’ needs and to identify areas for improvement in the school system. Students should be encouraged to see the test as a normal part of the school calendar.

     *Practice Makes Perfect

Your child should be familiar with the format of the NAPLAN test before they take the exam. Most teachers will introduce practice questions throughout the school year so students know what to expect. They can also prepare at home by viewing the NAPLAN demonstration tests online. Being familiar with the test format and style of questions helps reduce anxiety. 

     *Time NAPLAN Tests

When your student completes a NAPLAN practice test at home, it’s a great idea to measure how older children are making use of time. When they know how long to devote to each section, students are less likely to panic, become overwhelmed or get stuck on a hard question. 

     *Brainstorm Writing Tasks

Students may be asked to write a narrative, informative or persuasive text based on stimulus material. This is the most challenging part of the NAPLAN test for many students as they lack confidence in their writing ability. Make sure your child understands the difference between text types by using examples from everyday life. You can brainstorm ideas and practice planning what they’re going to write so they don’t run out of steam halfway. 

     *Encourage Relaxation 

Getting a decent night’s sleep is essential in the lead up to NAPLAN. Poor sleep affects memory, decision making and cognitive ability. You can ensure your child sleeps well by doing something unrelated to the NAPLAN test the night before exams and by using relaxation techniques. This is a perfect opportunity to help students learn how to manage exam stress.

Avoid NAPLAN Test Stress 

These tips will help ensure your student feels relaxed and prepared for the exam. NAPLAN preparation should ideally take place throughout the year as cramming can be detrimental. Talk to us about NAPLAN tutoring for your student today.

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