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.