While they’re not the only important part of the middle school or high school experience for students, standardized tests are definitely vital in a number of ways. There’s a reason students typically spend so much time preparing for them — preparation that parents can also assist with via a few simple approaches.
At Beehive Science & Technology Academy, we’re happy to offer numerous student academic resources to all our students, including things like tutoring, test prep and more — and our new expanded campus, which will open in July 2022, will feature even further resources and opportunities in these and other areas. As a parent, what are some of the helpful ways you can assist your child with standardized test prep without being overbearing or pressuring? This two-part blog series will dig into a few areas we generally recommend to parents.
Regular Teacher Communication
One of the top ways to keep abreast of your child’s progress — and potentially learn about areas where they may need some extra attention or assistance — is to stay in regular communication with your child’s teacher. Ask them how your child is doing in class, how they’re performing on assignments and assessments, and if they have any recommendations for test prep or other assistance.
It’s also a good idea to ask the teacher if there are any specific subjects or topics your child should focus on more directly in the run-up to standardized tests. Teachers are typically more than happy to help out and will have a lot of valuable information for you as a parent.
Monitor Homework & Assignments
One of the best things you can do as a parent when it comes to standardized test prep is to simply keep an eye on your child’s homework and assignments. Make sure they’re completing their work on time, and that it’s of a high quality. If you see any red flags or potential issues, address them as soon as possible to prevent them from becoming bigger problems down the road.
If your child is struggling with a particular subject or topic, consider arranging for them to get tutoring help. Many students find that one-on-one tutoring can be extremely beneficial, and it often results in better grades and test scores.
Promote Relaxation and Calming Techniques
For some students, standardized test prep can be a stressful experience. It’s important to promote relaxation and calming techniques in order to help them stay focused and perform their best. Some simple things parents can do include:
- Encouraging your child to get plenty of exercise and fresh air
- Promoting a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and water
- Encouraging your child to get a good night’s sleep
- Helping them practice relaxation and deep breathing exercises
- Promoting positive thinking and self-confidence
It can also be helpful to discuss any potential test-taking anxieties your child may have. Many students feel better after airing their concerns and fears, and it can help to put things in perspective.
We’ll go over some more tips here in part two of our series. For more on any of our test prep or STEM charter school services, or to look into our open enrollment for next year’s classes, contact the staff at Beehive Science & Technology Academy today.
