Selective Enrollment Elementary School testing can be a confusing and stressful process. Every year we receive emails from compassionate super parents who want to make sure their child is prepared, stress-free, and confident.
From the days and weeks prior to the test to the day of, you can support your child. Here are a few quick tips that will help them have the most successful SEES testing experience possible.
Know the Test-Site Logistics
The small details of a test — like what to wear, where to go, and how early to arrive, can have a huge impact on your child’s stress levels. If you’re calm and prepared, it’s more likely that your child will feel that way, too.
Check Your Testing Location
Before test day, recheck your confirmation information to make sure you have the right testing location. There a couple different locations for testing, so don’t forget to confirm! You may even want to drive by the location in advance. That way, you can show your child what to expect, know how long the drive will take, and figure out where to park.
Arrive Early and Allow For Extra Time
On the day of the test, allow more time than you think you need for travel time and parking; a good rule of thumb is to leave an additional hour before the test. In fact, for SEES tests participants are expected to arrive 20-30 minutes early. Some parents have actually been turned away if they don’t build this extra time in!
Plan for parking to be difficult, especially on weekends when lots of families are scheduled for testing. Keep in mind that you may have to walk to the testing site after parking, so allow ample time for that as well. There is nothing more nerve-wracking than being pressed for time because of parking or getting lost, and arriving with extra time for your child to get situated will set them up for success.
Have Your Documents in Order
As a parent, it’s your job to bring the required documents and give necessary information. If your child has an IEP or a 504, bring the appropriate documents and ensure that your child receives the required modifications. If your child has a speech delay, it’s helpful to mention this to the proctor giving the test. This is particularly true for incoming kindergarteners since they test for phonics and speech delays can impact phonics development.
Prepare Your Child for Test Day
On testing day, the pressure is on. Even if your child doesn’t outwardly appear stressed, they may be feeling anxious. Luckily, there are a few different things you can do to reduce their day-of test anxiety.
Help Your Child Dress for Success
On the day of the test, make sure your child wears comfortable layers that can adapt to the temperature of the room. If they’re too cold or too hot, that could become a distraction. You’ll also want to avoid jewelry or accessories that they could fidget with. Additionally, if your child wears glasses, be sure to bring them. They might not remember!
Fuel Your Child’s Brain and Body
A great breakfast and plenty of water will help your child focus on the test rather than their hunger. Start with a healthy meal and have light, nutritious snacks on hand for the waiting room. If possible, avoid sugary drinks and food and stick to plenty of protein.
Hydration is also important. Your child should drink plenty of water — but not so much that they’ll need to use the bathroom a bunch during the test! Cut off water 2-3 hours before the test and have your child use the bathroom for the last time before checking in so they don’t get called for testing while they’re in the bathroom.
Provide Calming Activities
The minutes before the test can often be the most stressful. Bring a calming activity to the waiting room, like a coloring book, or critical thinking workbook, to keep your child’s mind off the test. On the day of the test, avoid test prep. It might seem like a good idea to help your child get in a few last-minute study sessions, but it’s typically more stressful than beneficial (it’s better to complete studying 24-36 hours before the test, so your child can relax). Additionally, stay away from digital devices as they can be overstimulating or distracting for children on a stressful day.
Create a Positive Testing Culture at Home
You want to encourage confidence on testing day, and that means preparing ahead of time. Set up a study schedule and a productive study space where they can practice those important critical thinking skills.
Make Studying Fun and Fulfilling
To help your child prepare, you can create a study guide, or even a fun foldable. Encourage your child to ask questions when they are confused, and to explore different possible approaches to solving a problem.
Remember: Learning is an active process. It’s not about always getting the right answer so much as it’s about thinking creatively and working through the logic behind the answers. Because of this, encourage your child to avoid saying, “I don’t know.” Instead, teach them to say, “I’m thinking.” This gives them a chance to truly evaluate possible solutions and make their best guess.
Focus on the Experience
After testing is over, focus on the experience. Your child may not remember specific details, like what questions were asked. In an effort to avoid over-stimulating your child, keep the questions at a minimum. They’ve already been through a long test, so they may not be eager to answer more questions.
Three easy questions you can ask are:
- How did it go?: In this case, you want to know about the experience, not the specific questions. They might not remember them!
- Was there anything you didn’t understand? The answer to this should be yes, so don’t fret!
- Was this easier or harder than {insert test prep strategy}?: You might be surprised — many children report that testing is actually easier!
Maintain a Positive Attitude
Just like your child will pick up on your attitude before the test, they’ll sense it afterwards, too. Don’t get frustrated if your child can’t remember how they did. Remain encouraging and calm and remind your child how proud you are of them. Your child will face many more tests during their life, so creating a positive experience is critical.
Remember, learning is a lifelong experience, and the fun is just getting started!
