Step 3 · The letter “O”
Overcome Common Test-Taking Mistakes
Audio training session 3 of 6
Listen to the full training session from The Testing Mom about “Overcome Common Test-Taking Mistakes.”
Learn the test format
For example, don’t pick the prettiest picture. Listen to the question and find the right answer.
Take your best guess
If your child doesn’t know the answer for sure, they should still take their best guess. They shouldn’t get stuck on one question if the test is timed.
Eliminate wrong answers
On multiple-choice questions, there are often answers that are obviously wrong. Eliminate those, and then you can focus on the ones that are left.
Don’t necessarily pick the easiest answer
Sometimes test makers are trying to get your kids to fall into traps. Teach your child to look at every answer carefully and decide which one is the best.
Don’t rush
Practice pacing with your child so they don’t rush through test questions. Give them a reward if they get 10 questions right in a row. Let your child correct their own mistakes.
Make your answers clear
For a pre-K child, make sure they point carefully when they know the answer. For older kids, don’t make errors on the bubble answer sheet — make sure your child does the bubble sheet lesson on TestingMom.
Calculate on paper if necessary
For math questions in particular, make sure your kids don’t try to do too much work in their head when writing it down step by step on scratch paper would help. For younger kids, teach your child to use their fingers for word problems as they listen to them, and teach them which words translate to addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Access the test the best way
Listen to and read the instructions. Listen to and read each question carefully. Read charts carefully. Read the passage carefully for reading comprehension questions.
Stay focused
It is easy to get distracted, particularly when kids are being tested in a group. Tell them not to look at the other students. Sit a child very close to the teacher or tester.
Learn mental sharpness and minimize anxiety
For younger kids, you can just call the work you are doing “brain games” instead of “test prep.” Show up early for the test. Make going to the teacher for the test a fun experience. Give them a reward after the test.