Make Your Standardized Testing Prep Fun

Make Your Standardized Testing Prep Fun Preparing for Standardized Testing While Having Fun Many students think preparing for standardized testing must be rote and boring, when in reality it is a great opportunity to have fun while mastering new knowledge and skills. Finding ways to infuse fun into study sessions will boost students' confidence and give them something to look forward to as the testing day draws near. Making it fun shouldn't be difficult. Instead, find ways to integrate your child's interests and strengths into these study sessions. Find a friendMany students work well with peers and learn more within a study group. If your child is preparing for a standardized test, considerbuilding peer based study sessions into the preparation calendar. Once aweek your child could join a study group with others who are preparing forthe same exam. This peer interaction can help build confidence and providea welcome change of pace from the typical solo study session. CelebratestrengthsAt times, your child may feel overwhelmed by standardized testingpreparation. A great way to keep the studying fun and stress free is tocelebrate your child's achievements and strengths. Build incentives intothe study schedule for the amount of material mastered or when your child becomes proficient with a difficult skill or concept. Some childrenrespond well to goal setting with a tangible incentive at the end of a setperiod of time. For example, at the end of a successful week of studying for the ACT your child may earn a trip to the movies with a friend or theability to opt out of a weekly chore. Make agame out of itStudying for a standardized test doesn't have to be boring. There are many great educational games you can play with your child while preparingfor exam day. CardSharksIf your child likes playing card games you can put a fun diversion togood use. Use sticky notes to attach test prep strategies or contentspecific information to the cards. During the next study break ask yourchild to play the game, solitaire is a good choice, and remove the sticky notes as they appear on the cards. At the end of the game collect the sticky notes and review the each before placing them back on the cards for a future study break. Online vocabulary gamesThere are many great online or mobile app vocabulary games that studentscan use to study for a standardized test. These games boost your child'sunderstanding of challenging vocabulary over time using an engaging andinteractive platform. Many of them allow your child to earn badges or play games against other users for additional challenges. Track the TrainMath problems involving two trains leaving the station are quintessential on standardized tests. They assess a student's algebraicproficiency and the ability to accurately solve a problem. Spice up studying for these problems using a United States map and the cities yourchild has already visited. The distance formula,d = r*t (distance =rate * time), won't seem nearly as tedious when it involves familiarplaces and travels. Create the perfect study spaceHaving a dedicated space to study often helps students focus on thecontent and avoid being distracted by the surroundings or other familymembers. Help your child create the perfect study space and invest in funtouches that your child will enjoy. Allow your child to decorate the space or pick out desk accessories that add a touch of whimsy to the weeklystudy schedule.