Homeschool Tests and Assessment Apprehension: Simple Solutions to Ease Your Child's Test-taking AnxietyDo your kids hate taking homeschool tests or suffer from test-taking anxiety? Some students enjoy taking tests while others quake in their shoes at the mere mention of the word.
Others do not mind periodic curriculum tests at the end of a unit or chapter of study. Some do not use any form of testing in their homeschool until the student is much older. Minimize Testing TrepidationChildren react differently towards tests; some like them, while others absolutely hate them. Don't get overly concerned though, over 60% of us struggle with testing worries.If your child hates taking tests, you can help to ease their anxiety in several ways: Change Your ApproachYour child can sense if high grades and good test results are important to you. Sometimes we can fall into the trap of needing to prove ourselves to family members or friends who are judgmental of our decision to homeschool. Showing our children's grades and test scores is an easy way to ensure doubtful family members that homeschooling works.Change Your WordingOur math curriculum provides weekly assessments, as well as daily math drills. Last year when I would tell my then, six year old that she was going to have a test before her math lesson; she often looked scared and didn’t want to take it.However, if I said, "You are going to complete a sheet that reviews everything we learned this week", or "You need to complete this assessment", she was fine. If the word "test" causes anxiety in your kids, try choosing a different, less threatening word instead. Change Your AtmosphereSitting at the kitchen table or a school desk can seem so formal to a child, especially if they sit in the same place day-after-day for homeschool lessons. Try changing where your child takes their tests – go outside or in another room or somewhere fun, yet relaxing.Change Your MethodIf written tests cause your child to stress, try giving oral tests until they become more confident or get better at writing. Kids mature and develop differently; don't feel you have to give a child a test just because your curriculum or teacher's guide tells you to. There are many ways to assess a child – written homeschool tests are just one way.Other Forms of TestingYou can assess your child in many different ways. Talking together and asking questions around a dinner table is a great way to see what your child does and doesn’t know. We often use mealtime to memorize verses, learn the meaning of words, go over math facts or review misspelled words.Hands-on projects provide a fun way for a child to share what they are learning or are interested in. For years, my children would share everything they learned during the week at our weekly family night. Sometimes they wrote and performed a play, created a PowerPoint presentation or planned, prepared, and served a meal based on the culture or time period they were studying. Using online or computer tests provide a non-threatening way for you to test your kid's knowledge. Most kids love using the computer and may not even realize they are taking a test! Lighten Up!As a homeschool parent, you have the wonderful opportunity to completely customize your child's education and meet their needs.Although homeschool tests and assessments are an important component, testing too early or becoming over-concerned about tests and test scores is a surefire way to increase test-taking anxiety, inhibit learning and hinder homeschool success.
Alleviate Test Taking AnxietyEasily help your child study better and improve testing skills. Qwizzy's World is a unique online study site designed for students in grades PreK-8, to help alleviate testing anxiety and build confidence.Save with a money-saving homeschool discount through PEAH. Share Your Test Taking Tips!
Do you have some test taking tips? Or a great story to share? Has your student ever struggled with tests and then found success? What Other Visitors Have SaidClick below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
Qwizzy's World: Great Homeschool Testing Resource
Homeschool Testing Option for Homeschoolers
Not rated yet More About Home School TestingMeasuring educational progress through home school testing may not be the most accurate way to gauge learning, or your home school success.BJU's Homeschool Testing and Evalution ServicesFully authorized by test publishers, Bob Jones Homeschooling Tests and Evaluation Services help you assess and measure your child's knowledge and skills, and better meet their needs.Return from Homeschool Tests to Homeschool Testing New! CommentsWould you like to add something about what you just read? Leave me a comment in the box below. |
