NAPLAN Reading   The NAPLAN test is an important rite of passage for Australian children. It takes place yearly in May for students in years 3,5,7 and 9. NAPLAN determines a student’s proficiency in literacy and numeracy skills. It also guides the education ministers to ascertain and improve the standard of the academic structure across the nation. This exam perturbs the students, schools and parents alike. While some opt for extra lessons or tutors for their children, others prefer teaching them on their own.  

How To Prepare For NAPLAN?

The National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy test assesses four major components. Each test appraises the child’s academic function at par with the national average. The score (1–1000) is divided into 10 bands which can be evaluated against the National Minimum Standard and Proficiency Standard. Here’s how you can help your child prepare for each test:  

Reading

In this portion, the student is asked to read a passage and then answer questions related to it. It tests their basic comprehension skills as well the ability to recall and connect information. The timeline varies from 45–65 minutes, according to the student’s class.
  • Read and discuss articles from NAPLAN books with your child.
  • Ask questions related to the reading material to stimulate their thinking and memory skills.
  • Ask your child to underline important bits of the content. Highlighting the text helps our brain to engage with it better.
  • Instil the habit of reading in your child from a young age so that they grow up to be swift and voracious readers.

Writing

This is a 40–42 minute long test that measures the child’s writing skills. Various components of Narrative or Persuasive writing are examined. For instance, text structure, grammar, vocabulary, etc. The type of writing depends upon the prompt provided on the day of the test.
  • Introduce and explain the two genres of writing for students to become familiar with both formats.
  • Focus on the 10 criteria of scoring i.e. the audience, ideas, vocabulary, cohesion, paragraphing, text & sentence structure etc. Use the NAPLAN online practice tests for prompts.
  • Demonstrate the use of Persuasive devices as well as Character and Setting attributes. They are important parameters of scoring for Persuasive & Narrative writing respectively.
  • Create a text structure to employ in each type of prompt. For instance, introduction- main body- thesis- conclusion in Persuasive writing.

Language

The test analyses three major language conventions: Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar. The student’s ability to use these tools effectively signifies a solid foundation in the subject. The test administration takes up to 45 minutes and assesses the communication skills of the student.
  • Inculcate a habit of observing nuances of the text while reading and writing.
  • Use NAPLAN practice tests. Discuss their mistakes and corrections through constructive feedback.
  • Expose them to new words to expand their vocabulary. Add these words in daily conversations to help your child remember them.

Numeracy

This test evaluates three core topics of Maths: number & algebra, measurement & geometry; and statistics & probability. Numerical skills are measured through multiple choice questions and constructed responses. Technology-enhanced questions are also added to the online test.
  • Focus on the basics of each concept. Since it’s a cumulative subject, the child needs to have clarity in essential topics.
  • Make them simplify and restate the word problems before attempting the question. This fastens and streamlines solving the equation.
  • Maths require an indefinite amount of practice. Revise each topic with multiple NAPLAN sample tests.
  • Keep time limits for each portion of the test to improve their pace. Since maths is a laborious subject, students need to work expeditiously to complete the test.

Things To Consider

NAPLAN doesn’t interfere or dictate the school test results. Rather it settles a threshold of proficiency to achieve in each class. Besides the general assessment of English and Maths, the overall academic growth is given its due importance. Here’s what you should adopt and avoid to advance your child’s NAPLAN score:
  • Establish a Strong Foundation NAPLAN testing is aligned to the Australian curriculum. While it’s not an exact copy of the school examination, it does evaluate academic skills corresponding to the class. Instead of striving for expertise, focus on gaining a general understanding of the subjects.
  • Enhance Student’s Soft Skills Students should learn and adopt a plethora of skills, beyond the two subjects. NAPLAN exams are time-bound. Thus, only deftness in English or Maths isn’t enough. To complete the test in time, one has to comprehend the meaning of the questions to solve them swiftly. Hence, a lot of additional factors dictate the child’s score. Hone their time management, problem-solving, critical thinking, and reasoning skills for best results.
  • Keep Practising Practice plays a fundamental role in learning. English and Maths both require in-depth knowledge. However, retaining this information needs consistent rehearsal. It solidifies the theoretical concepts and their application. Make sure your child revises everything that they learn. ACARA releases NAPLAN test papers under the Freedom of Information Act, 1982. This means you can take advantage of easily accessible NAPLAN answers and past year papers. You can also make use of the Ezy maths worksheet generator for tailored tests as well.
  • Find the Perfect Tutor Its evident NAPLAN needs extensive preparation. As a parent, it’s hard to juggle time between children, jobs, and chores. A tutor can bestow undivided attention to prepare your child efficiently. They can equip the students with the necessary training and soft skills. Also, they can help your child overcome challenging portions of the curriculum. Utilize the Ezy Math Tutoring service to find a tutor befitting your child’s needs.
  • Avoid Stress and Anxiety An anxious child seldom learns well. Make them understand the objective of the test. It’s not a competition but an evaluation. The goal is to examine weak spots and allocate the finest resources for their academic growth. Ensure that your child avoids toxic and unhealthy comparisons. Make them focus on self-development and stress-free preparation for NAPLAN.
NAPLAN’s results are an indicator of the student’s academic proficiency. As a parent, it’s your job to keep them motivated and positive towards their progress. Ezy Math Tutoring can make the process easier for you. We can provide premier resources and tutors to augment their strengths and vanish their weaknesses. NAPLAN is just a cog in the wheel, let’s help our students become productive and successful in life.