The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a reliable measure of student progress throughout Australia. NAPLAN tests students’ reading, writing, language conventions, and numeracy skills, and allows parents and educators to evaluate individual and group performance. However, some students may feel overwhelmed or anxious due to the high stakes of the exams. As a parent, you can support your child’s preparation and performance by providing next-level preparation.
In this article, we will explore how you can help your child ace the NAPLAN exams by reinforcing core skills, building confidence, using the right tools, and seeking additional support where necessary.
Reinforce Core Skills
Your child can excel in the NAPLAN exams by mastering core skills in reading, writing, language conventions, and numeracy. Start by organising a study routine and setting clear goals and benchmarks. Encourage your child to read widely and critically, and to practise writing different types of texts, such as narratives, persuasive essays, and reports.
Help your child to review grammar and spelling rules, and to apply them in their writing and speaking. For numeracy, use daily life examples to discuss concepts such as fractions, percentages, and decimals. There are also many online resources and interactive games that can be of great help to reinforce core skills.
Build Confidence
Confidence is key to performing well in the NAPLAN exams. You can help your child build confidence by praising their efforts and achievements, providing constructive feedback, and setting realistic expectations. It is also important to cultivate a positive mindset and to reduce stress and pressure.
Encourage your child to use positive self-talk, relaxation techniques, and healthy habits, such as regular exercise, sleep, and nutrition. Avoid comparing your child to others or their past performances, and instead focus on their progress and goals.
Use the Right Tools
Using the right tools can make a significant difference in your child’s NAPLAN preparation and performance. For example, you can use past papers and sample tests to familiarise your child with the exam format, content, and timing.
You can also let your child practice for NAPLAN with RiSE+ to track your child’s progress, identify strengths and weaknesses, and access personalised feedback and recommendations. This enables your child to practise NAPLAN-style questions at their own pace, receive instant feedback and explanations, and monitor their improvement over time.
Seek Additional Support
If your child needs additional support or intervention, do not hesitate to seek help from their teacher, educational psychologist, or tutor. They can provide targeted assistance, advice, and strategies, based on your child’s specific needs and learning styles.
You can also use online resources and communities, such as parent forums, to share experiences, tips, and resources. Remember that your child’s NAPLAN performance is not the sole measure of their academic or personal success and that they can excel in many different areas and ways.
In Summary
In short, helping your child ace the NAPLAN exams requires next-level prep: reinforcing core skills, building confidence, using the right tools, and seeking additional support. By following these tips, you can help your child demonstrate their full potential, reduce stress and anxiety, and foster a positive attitude towards learning and success.
Remember that your child’s NAPLAN results are just one piece of the puzzle and that you should celebrate and support their progress and achievements in all areas of their life.
