If state testing has you feeling a little on edge, you are not alone. It is a big week for K-12 students and parents alike, but it does not have to be overwhelming. The most important thing to remember is that your child has been working hard in class all year, and their teachers at Buckeye Online School have been preparing them every step of the way. This guide is here to help you feel confident and ready so that when state testing arrives, both you and your student can tackle it with ease.
Tip #1: Set Up Technology The Day Before Test Day
State testing in an online setting requires reliable technology, and a little preparation goes a long way. Taking just a few minutes to check your child’s setup the day before can prevent unnecessary stress on test morning.
Follow these steps to make sure your child is ready to go:
- Make sure the device is fully charged and placed near a working charger and outlet.
- Test the internet connection ahead of time. If your connection is unreliable, have a backup plan ready, such as a mobile hotspot or a nearby library with WiFi.
- Close any unnecessary apps or tabs before the test begins to avoid distractions and slow load times.
Do not wait until the morning of the test to troubleshoot. If you run into a technical issue you cannot resolve on your own, reach out to your child’s teacher or the support staff at Buckeye Online School right away.
Tip #2: Prioritize Sleep and Nutrition All Week
There is a direct connection between how well your child rests, how nutritious their meals are, and how well they perform cognitively. Prioritizing both sleep and nutrition during test week can have a dramatic impact on your child’s focus, energy, and confidence.
Keep these tips in mind as you care for your student throughout the week:
- Aim for 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night during the school week.
- Avoid late nights and limit screen time the evening before a test.
- Start each morning with a breakfast that includes protein and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
- Keep healthy snacks available during breaks to help your child maintain focus throughout the day.
- Limit heavy meals right before testing to avoid sluggishness.
Planning meals ahead of time is a great way to make sure mornings run smoothly, and your child starts each test day well-fueled and ready to focus.
Tip #3: Help Your Child Manage Test Anxiety
A little nervousness before a big test is completely normal and can even be helpful in small doses. However, when anxiety starts to interfere with sleep, appetite, or your child’s ability to focus, it is worth addressing before test week begins. As a parent, there is a lot you can do at home to help your child feel calm, prepared, and confident.
On the morning of each test, keep things calm and low-stress. Avoid rushing, skip the last-minute cramming, and give your child a few minutes to breathe and settle in before they begin. Simple techniques like deep breathing, a short walk, or a few minutes of quiet time can help reset focus and ease tension before sitting down to test.
Tip #4: What to Do After Testing Is Done
Give your student some time to unwind after each test session before jumping back into the rest of the school day. Acknowledge their effort and celebrate the fact that they showed up, did their best, and pushed through a challenging week. For younger students, a small treat or a fun afternoon activity can go a long way in reinforcing that hard work pays off. For older students, simply recognizing their effort and letting them relax goes a long way.
When results come in, use them as a tool for growth rather than a source of stress. Scores are helpful information that can shine a light on where your child is thriving and where a little extra support might be beneficial in the year ahead. No matter the outcome, finishing state testing week is an accomplishment worth celebrating.
State testing does not have to be a stressful experience for your family. With the right technology setup, a focus on sleep and nutrition, a calm and supportive home environment, and a healthy perspective on results, your child can walk into test week feeling prepared and walk out feeling proud. For additional tools and resources to help your family thrive throughout the school year, visit our Student and Family Resources page.
