Top 10 tips for sitting the NAPLAN tests

Each year across schools in Australia, students will be sitting for the NAPLAN tests in maths and English. Understandably, many students are very nervous about these tests. However, just practising a few of these tips will help relax the kids and put these tests in perspective. 

1. Read the question and work out what information is needed to get the answer. NAPLAN tests are not content tests – in other words it is not based on how much you know but rather on your problem solving ability and how you interpret the question to arrive at the answer by using problem solving strategies like multi-step, working back to front, guess and check and completing the gaps. So don’t try to remember what you have learnt - just focus on what the question asks for and try to arrive at an answer. 

2. It is not a test based on “pass” or “fail” grades. NAPLAN results are just a measurement of where you are now in terms of your ability in maths and English skills. It is more a test for the school system to see where they need to focus on planning and teaching. So if your scores are below where it should be, then teachers know what areas to focus on for future teaching and your parents may also use these results to get the extra support you need in maths, reading and English.

3. See the NAPLAN tests in perspective. This test is not the biggest and most important thing in life. When the sun rises tomorrow, the birds will still be singing and the buses will still be going. So relax and just accept it as something that must be routinely done like a dental check-up. It is over really quickly! 

4. Practise relaxation techniques while seated on your chairs. Some quick short term relaxation techniques include: · differential relaxation - pressing feet flat and firmly on floor and heaving the body up while clasping the chair on either sides with both hands – hold for 30 seconds and then relax the whole body -repeat) · deep breathing – breathe in deeply filling those lungs, hold to the count of three, release the air slowly – repeat · visualisation – close your eyes and think about a happy place where you feel relaxed and at ease. 

5. Do your best and try hard. Parents and teachers are happy if you can just give of your best – this test is about the effort, not the result. 

6. Have a decent breakfast on the morning of the NAPLAN test. When you have to focus on the questions, the last thing you want to worry about is your stomach growling so eat a good, full and hearty breakfast. 

7. Have a good night’s sleep the night before the test. Go to bed early and have a restful night’s sleep. Do fun activities that will help you relax. You need to be fresh and alert for the testing times. You cannot cram content the night before because this is a skills-based test. 

8. Ensure you are hydrated. Ensure you have had water before the test and carry a bottle of water that you could sip through the test when you feel thirsty (or nervous!) 

9. If you are not feeling well, let your teacher or your parent know. If you feel sick - like you are feverish, have a heavy headache or are feeling nauseous, please let an adult near you know. In extreme ill health, the test can be rescheduled on another day (provided it is before 15th May 2016) 

10. The NAPLAN test just measures your skills in literacy(English) and numeracy(maths). You may not be the best in maths and English but you could be super talented in music, art, physical education, dance or making friends so don’t be nervous about “failing” – just be the best you can be for these tests because you could be a super star in another area.

Top 10 tips on introducing audiobooks to kids

Does your child dislike reading? Or do they become frustrated because they can’t read the words? Or they could be auditory learners who are not keen to read a visual format like traditional books. Just because they don’t like reading, it doesn’t mean they should lose out on the wonderful stories that are in books. Audiobooks is the answer for reluctant readers. The best thing about audiobooks is that they are free because they can be borrowed from the local library or downloaded mostly for free.

1. Audiobooks brings the stories to life. Audiobooks are usually read by celebrity actors who are dramatic readers and therefore it is more interesting to listen to. Some audiobooks have added features like music, sound effects and a cast of characters which makes for a very powerful interpretation.

2. Audiobooks can be “read” while you are doing other activities. These books can be listened to while you are travelling in the car, doing household chores, repetitive tasks or exercising. Any activity that just uses your eyes and hands now becomes potential reading time with your ears.

3. Audiobooks are great for kids whose reading age is much lower than their chronological age. Children who have a low reading level become frustrated when they read by themselves. However, when they listen to these books being read to them, they are still able to enjoy content that is pitched to their age level and interests.

4. Reading an audiobook is a great way to increase sight words. It’s a good idea for kids to have a hard copy of the text while the story is being read. There are audiobooks which indicate when the page needs to be turned or others with uninterrupted reading. In this way they can work on the correct pronunciation too.

5. Audiobooks increases a child’s vocabulary. Children are exposed to new words that are not heard in their daily life situations and they learn intuitively to work out the meaning of the new vocabulary in its context.

 
6. Audiobooks are a fantastic way to improve a child’s listening and focusing skills. It is helpful to introduce children to short stories of about 5 minutes duration, then to longer stories and eventually to chapter books.

7. Audiobooks develops a child’s imagination. These books don’t have illustrations which usually act like picture clues so a child is forced to use their imaginative skills. Further, by listening to audiobooks they internalise the narrative structure subconsciously so when they begin to write their own stories they naturally know to create a setting, add an element of conflict, build the story to a climax and offer a resolution at the end.

8. Audiobooks introduces kids to authors and genres that they would not otherwise choose. Children are motivated to listen to more books from the same author or more books in the series. They also may be motivated to read the hard copy version of the audiobook.

9. Audiobooks create strong family bonding time. Families can listen together to audiobooks while travelling, cooking dinner or before bed. They can then discuss what they read by sharing opinions, making predictions or discussing aspects of the plot, character, theme or setting.

10. Kids that listen to audiobooks become lifelong readers. Children who are introduced to audiobooks early on in life view reading as an intensely pleasurable activity and therefore become lifelong readers. They do not have to wait to learn to read before they discover the magic of books. Long before they can read, they increase their general knowledge by learning about the world around them. The more they know about a subject, they more confident they become in a learning environment.

So, if you haven’t tried it out already, please visit your local library and look at their audio book collection in the form of audio cds, mp3 cds or check out downloadable mp3 files through apps like Overdrive or One Click Digital.

Top 10 tips for parent - teacher meetings

Parent- teacher interviews are held 2 or 3 times a year and at barely 15 minutes a pop, it’s worthwhile knowing how we can get the best from these meetings. I am a mum. I am a teacher. I can tell you one is just as nervous in either hat! However, both parents and teachers should see these meetings as an ideal window of opportunity to identify problems and to celebrate the good. Here’s a list of things to help parents make the most of this meeting.

1. RSVP promptly

When the teacher sends the invitation to a parent-teacher meeting, make sure you send in the note as soon as is practical. This prompt response will not only get you your preferred time slot but will signal to the teacher you are really interested in discussing your child’s progress. It is not often possible for both parents to be present because of work constraints but if both spouses were available for the meeting, it shows further that you really take your child’s education seriously.

2. Arrive on time
Usually these meetings fit into 15- 20 minute time-slots and it’s important to respect the teacher as well as others who are after you. Some teachers will finish off the interview on time because they have a class to take care of or they have to see another parent – you lose out precious minutes if you are late!

3. Talk to your child before the interview
Talk to your child about their classroom experience. What activities do they enjoy? What makes them unhappy? Is there anything that they wanted to ask the teacher but was afraid to ask? What would make the classroom a better place for them? What do they do that makes the teacher happy? Ideally, your child should not be present at the interview so that the adults are able to talk freely and honestly about the child.

4. Prepare your questions
We often think that we will be able to remember all the questions we need to ask but as it so often happens, we leave the meeting and then remember pertinent questions we should have asked. Write these questions down in a little notebook (I use the Notes feature on my iPhone). Have a look at your child’s latest report or national test results and frame questions around these. As suggested, write questions from your child too.

5. Ask questions
Ask your questions in a polite and nice manner. Phrase it in such a way that it doesn’t come out as if you are accusing the teacher but you are just sincerely concerned with certain issues. Some questions that you may ask could be:

• What aspects of the curriculum is my child good at?
• In which areas does he need to improve in?
• Does my child get extra help in any subject?
• What is your homework policy?
• Is my child’s homework of a satisfactory standard?
• Is there anything that I could do at home to support you?
• How does my child participate in classroom activities?
• How does my child interact with his peers?
• Are there things about my child that surprises you?

For the future, what is the best way and time to contact you should I have more concerns?

6. Adopt a pleasant manner
Most of these meetings are held before or after school hours and we ought to be thankful to the teacher for giving off their free time. In this light, even delicate questions can be asked in a polite manner. If you perceive that the homework your child brings home is not enough or not of the appropriate level, instead of becoming antagonistic and saying “I really don’t like the homework that Jamie brings home. He finishes it in five minutes flat. Couldn’t you give more?” These kinds of attacks immediately put the teacher on the defensive and nothing constructive is gained. Rather, you could say something like:”How much of time would you suggest that Jamie spends on homework?” and then address your concerns.

7. Brickbats and bouquets
Inasmuch as you are displeased about certain aspects of your child’s classroom, there are a lot of fantastic things that happens there too. Make sure you mention the positive things that you have noticed or your child has mentioned and praise the teacher for these. In that way, you imply that you are taking an objective view. So, when you broach your displeasure, the teacher doesn’t get defensive.

8. Convey relevant home news
If there is anything out of the ordinary happening at home that may adversely affect your child’s performance at school? If so, it’s important to convey this to the teacher. For example, their grandparents have come for a visit from overseas after ten years and all routines have gone through the window! Or the new baby is keeping everyone awake at all hours of the night. These disruptions can affect your child’s learning at school and if the teacher knows what’s going on, then it would make sense to them why your child is a bit “off-colour”.

9. Work as a team
The purpose of the parent-teacher interviews is to cement the essential link that needs to be strengthened between the school and the home. It’s a wonderful opportunity to identify concerns about the child and for both parent and teacher to work as a team to put a plan of action to help the child so that their time at school can be a happy one.

10. Follow up
Sit your child down and mention all the good things that the teacher has said about them. Then mention those things that the teacher said that could be improved on. Discuss how you and the teacher are going to work together to help them reach their goals. Refrain from talking negatively about the teacher to your child – your child needs to respect the teacher so that he can be an effective classroom member. If you and the teacher have concerns about your child, schedule a follow-up meeting so that you can plan specific goals and set in place a plan of action. If there were some suggestions made by the teacher or yourself concerning your child (like placing them in the front of the class), contact the teacher after a few weeks to see whether this is working.

Parent – teacher meetings can add lots of benefits to your child’s developemnt if handled the right way. All the best at your interview.