TAKS Day Tips for Parents

Some Ways to help your child to do well on his/her test:

• Make sure your child gets a good night's sleep before every test. Avoid caffeine or high energy activities before bed to help make sleeping easier.
• Provide a light, healthy breakfast on test day.  Foods with long-lasting high energy are eggs and whole wheat toast.
• Drink water and stay hydrated.  It is scientifically proven that students are more focused when they are hydrated.
• Have your child dress comfortably and arrive at school on time.
• Send your child off to school with confidence-building words of praise and support: You'll do great! Believe in yourself!
• Do not schedule trips, dental or medical appointments, or early pickups for testing days.
• Please make sure your child is present and on time on test day.
• Finally, balance out the long stressful hours of testing by participating in fun, relaxing activities at home.  Try reading together or doing family craft projects.

Tackling Test Questions Strategies:

• Suggest that your child breathe deeply to relax before and during the test.
• Remind your child to read directions carefully and to look at all the answers before choosing one.
• Tell your child to check his or her answers before turning in the test.
• Multiple choice: Read all the answers before marking your choice. Remember, your first instinct is usually best-so don't change your answers unless you're sure.
• True/false: Look for words such as never, always, all and none. They're usually in false answer. Words like may or often are generally found in true answers.