HELPING YOUR CHILD PREPARE FOR MID-TERM TESTS

Mid Term test is a regular occurrence every school term. Students look forward to the time not only because it involves recapitulation of what has been learnt but because it also precedes a short holiday for the students. The brief midterm break is always fun for the kids, they have time to reorganize and prepare themselves for the other half of the term. However interesting this may sound, it involves preparation for the tests which are actually used as continuous assessment. This continuous assessment determines the final grade of the child at the end of the school year.

No matter your child’s class, it is important that you prepare with them to take the tests. It will not only make your child feel good about taking the tests, but will also help you as a parent to learn about how your child is doing. It is important for parents to know what subjects their child thrive in and what subjects need more work. Although these tests are meant more for the teachers than parents, parents can utilize these test to stay on top of how their child is doing in school.

During midterm tests, students are expected to recall all of the information they learned during the first few weeks of the term. This sometimes proves to be a daunting challenge. Parents should be mindful of this challenge and help their children with the following tips:

 Prepare Together

Parents should study with their children. Take time to examine your children on topics they have learnt. Make sure they know key points in every subject. By studying with them, you are not only  preparing them for that particular test, but also for end of year examination. Every little thing you do throughout the year is one step closer to a high grade. Take time to review their previous tests and assignments, some teachers revisit such and use them as test questions.

 Speak to your Child's Teacher

Many times, children are very nervous about taking tests. Find out from the child's teacher how they do before, during, and after taking tests throughout the week. If your child gets nervous, talk to him or her and find out why they get nervous. Make the child know that there is nothing to fear. Often times, talking things out are just what the child needs. Make them feel comfortable about sharing and talking about how they feel and in the end, assure them that they will succeed once they are prepared.

 Make Sure your Child is in School During Tests

Children sometimes act funny. You might not be surprised that your child puts up unexpected behavior on test mornings. Be on guard. Parents should also guide against booking important appointments on test days. Have a schedule and make sure your child is at school during the midterm tests. Visit the school website or blog to know the test schedule. Missing the test might mean lower grades for your child.

 No Sleep Free Nights.

Sleep is important and test days do not mean sleep free nights. Adequate sleep is necessary if the child will assimilate properly. When your children have tests the following day, encourage them to go to bed on time, you may however wake them earlier to have a review in the morning if its suites them. Getting at least eight hours of sleep can really help them do better. If you aren't quite sure, try it out. See how your children do with more sleep and then without. I am betting they will do better when they have more sleep.

 Teach Children to follow teacher’s  instructions

During tests or exams, it has been found that the more children listen, the better they will do. There are often many instructions given during these tests. If kids decide to tune out the teacher, this could dramatically hurt their tests scores because they don't listen to what needs to be done. The answer is just to remind them that they need to listen to each instruction .The happy part is that you can practice with them at home -- listening the first time!

 No Tests on Empty Stomach

Taking breakfast on test day is extremely helpful in making them do their best. Kids should eat a full breakfast before taking  tests. Whether it is a bowl of oatmeal, cereal, or a sausage biscuit from the eatery, just make sure they are well fed. Thinking requires energy too.

 Motivate them to Succeed.

Every child wants to know their parents are proud of them. For this reason, make sure you encourage them before, during, and after the tests. Remind them that if they give their best, you will be happy, you can go the extra mile by backing it up with a reward. They will be willing to make you proud.

 Be Informed

Keep in touch with your children's teachers to know exactly how they are doing in school. The more you know, the more you can help them on individual subjects. There is nothing more rewarding than learning your child has made the honor roll. What's even better is  knowing we had a hand in making sure our kids are totally prepared for every test they take and that makes us a part of their success.

• Caution

Parents should be cautious .It is important to develop reading habits in children before the onset of tests. Test should not be a signal for crash reading after all it is not an emergency.

Don’t let your kids see reading as a means to getting higher grades. Emphasise on application of knowledge so that what they read will be a part of their lives long after the tests have been taken. Prepare them to succeed, today and in future.

Hope you found these tips helpful; please remember to drop your comments. May they succeed as you help them to do so.

B.A TAIWO B.Sc, M.Ed