The best remedy for test anxiety is preparation. Encourage your child to:

• Ask the teacher specific questions about the test. Will it be true-false? Multiple choice? Essay? Exactly what material will it cover?

• Begin studying several days before the test. Cramming the night before won’t allow her time to think about or practice what she’s learned.

• Make up study questions. Then try to answer them in her own words.

• Look at past mistakes on tests and assignments. Try to correct them.

• Try to figure out what the teacher is likely to ask on the test. Review past quizzes and class handouts for clues.

• Review corrected homework and class notes. Underline or highlight important points.

• Review textbook chapters. Reread headings and subheadings. Note pictures and charts. Study chapter summaries and review questions.

• Answer any study questions the teacher gives.

• Study smart. Study when she has the most energy and feels the most alert. Eliminate distractions. And study in blocks of time, say 50 minutes. Then take a 10-minute break.

• Get a good night’s sleep before the test.

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