9 things parents can do to help their children improve their grades

Tests are valuable and integral to general education because they measure basic skills. Test-taking skills will help children throughout their lives as they take many exams, such as getting a driver's license, playing sports, finding a job, etc.

The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Educational Research and Improvement offers some simple ways parents can help their children develop test-taking skills.

1. Don't worry too much about test scores

If you emphasize too much, care too much about your child's high or low scores, they will feel uncomfortable and this will negatively affect their psychology before each test.

2. Encourage your child

Praise your child for things they do well. This will help motivate them to do their best. Children who are afraid of failure are more likely to become anxious about taking tests and make more mistakes.

3. Don't judge children by just one test.

A test is not a perfect measure of what a child can do because many factors affect the score. For example, your child may be affected by emotions, the environment in which the test is being given, the teacher's attitude, etc.

4. Meet with the teacher to discuss your child's progress.

Ask your child’s teacher to give appropriate homework and classwork to help prepare him or her for tests. Parents and teachers should work together to benefit the student.

5. Make sure your child goes to school regularly

Remember that tests reflect a child's overall performance. The more effort and energy a child puts into studying, the more likely he or she will do well on tests.

6. Provide a quiet, comfortable place to study at home

Give your child a room of their own where they can concentrate on studying without the noise of the TV or radio.

7. Make sure your child gets enough rest.

Not only on exam days, but also on regular school days, children need to be well-rested. When children are tired, they will be less able to pay attention in class and of course will have a harder time doing well on a test.

8. Give your child a balanced diet

A healthy body will help your child have a healthy, active mind. Pay attention to your child's meals, especially meals at school.

9. Provide books and magazines for your child to read at home.

By reading new material, your child will learn new words and concepts that may appear on a test. You can get recommendations for books from your child's school or public library.