For many students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9, NAPLAN can be a significant source of anxiety. It is often the first formal, nationwide testing environment a child experiences. As a parent, your role isn't necessarily to teach the curriculum—it's to create an environment that minimizes stress and maximizes confidence.
Here are proven ways to support your child leading up to and during NAPLAN week.
1. Keep It in Perspective
The most important thing a parent can do is de-escalate the importance of the exam. Remind your child that NAPLAN is just a snapshot in time. It doesn't measure their creativity, kindness, or overall intelligence. It simply helps schools understand what they need to teach next. If you are stressed about the results, your child will absorb that anxiety.
2. Familiarise, Don't Cram
You cannot "cram" for NAPLAN. It tests fundamental literacy and numeracy skills developed over years. However, you can familiarise your child with the format. Since NAPLAN moved online, many students struggle with the interface rather than the questions.
- Have them use the public demonstration tests on the official NAPLAN website.
- Practice typing short stories if they are doing the writing test online (Years 5, 7, 9).
- Ensure they know how to navigate back and forth between questions.
3. Establish a Rock-Solid Routine
During the week of the tests, stability is your best friend. Ensure your child is getting at least 9-10 hours of sleep. Keep mornings calm and unhurried. A nutritious, high-protein breakfast will help sustain their concentration much better than sugary cereals.
4. Focus on Post-Test Decompression
When they get in the car after school, avoid immediately asking, "How did you do?" or "Was it hard?" Instead, ask, "Are you glad that's over?" or "What do you want to do to relax this afternoon?" Give them space to bring up the test on their own terms.
5. Address Specific Skill Gaps Early
If your child is genuinely struggling with foundational literacy or numeracy, addressing this months before NAPLAN is the best approach. A targeted tutoring program can fill knowledge gaps systematically, removing the source of the anxiety long before test day arrives.
Looking for structured support? Explore our NAPLAN Preparation program to help your child approach testing with true confidence.