With NAPLAN just a few weeks ago, if your house also looks like a battleground filled with worksheets and practice papers, you’re not alone. Around this time of year, many Australian households are facing the same challenges.

NAPLAN—short for the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy—is an important event in every Australian student's school life. It measures skills in reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar, and punctuation), and numeracy. 

If you’re a parent looking eagerly for ways to support your child, you’ve landed on the right page. Whether your child is taking NAPLAN for the first time in year 3 or for the last time in year 9, the right preparation is the key to success. However, with so many things to cover and the variety of advice you must be getting at this point, it can be overwhelming to decide where to begin. Don’t worry; we’ve got your back. Let’s focus light on where to begin your child’s preparation and emerge with tips to make their learning experience easier and comfortable together. Let’s get started! 

What to Expect from NAPLAN?

First things first: understanding what you're walking into makes everything easier. NAPLAN is an Australian assessment for students in years 3, 5, 7, and 9. Each section has a time limit, and students are scored based on their performance compared to others nationwide, helping to assess literacy and numeracy standards. NAPLAN is made up of four main sections:

1. Reading: This section tests students' ability to understand and interpret text. After reading a passage, students answer questions to demonstrate comprehension, such as identifying key ideas, making inferences, or explaining meanings in context.

2. Writing: Students craft a short piece of writing, typically on a specific topic. The section evaluates clarity, organization, and the ability to stay on topic, using styles like persuasive, narrative, or informative writing.

3. Language Conventions: This part focuses on spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Students are assessed on their ability to apply correct language rules in writing, including sentence structure, punctuation marks, and spelling accuracy.

4. Numeracy: Students solve math problems, ranging from basic arithmetic to more advanced concepts, such as algebra or geometry. The aim is to assess their ability to apply math skills to solve problems.

Once you’re clear about the exam structure, you can help your child practice better. Let’s understand why early preparation matters in NAPLAN. 

Why Early Preparation Matters?

You’ve probably heard this a thousand times before: "The earlier you start preparing, the better." But it’s true! Starting your preparation early can help your child in many ways. Let’s see how. 

• Reduced Stress: Encouraging your child to start early helps prevent last-minute panic. With more time to study, your child can approach the exam calmly and feel less overwhelmed.

• Increased Confidence: Early preparation helps your child become more familiar with the material, boosting their confidence. Consistent practice builds their comfort level and readiness for the test.

• Better Retention: Spacing out study sessions leads to better retention. Your child will retain the material longer and recall it more easily on exam day, reducing the need for last-minute cramming.

• Improved Performance: Like training for a game, early preparation helps your child strengthen their skills. Regular practice ensures they can tackle different types of questions effectively and with confidence.

• Time for Review: Early preparation provides ample time for review, allowing your child to revisit difficult topics and practice under test conditions, leading to improved results.

• Establishing a Routine: Starting early helps your child develop a steady study routine. A consistent schedule makes studying less stressful and more manageable, helping avoid burnout closer to the exam.

All right, this is enough to convince you to start preparing your child early. To help you with that, here’s a step-by-step guide for NAPLAN prep. 

Also Read: NAPLAN Writing Marking Guide for Narrative Texts

Step-by-Step NAPLAN Preparation Guide for Students

A structured, step-by-step approach to NAPLAN preparation ensures that students cover all key areas without feeling overwhelmed. Here’s how to begin. 

• Know the Test Format

Knowing what to expect in each section is half the battle won. Start by getting familiar with the test structure. Read through sample questions so you know what types of tasks you'll face in the Reading, Writing, Language Conventions, and Numeracy sections. It’s much easier to tackle something when you’ve seen it before.

• Focus on Core Areas

Each section of NAPLAN tests different skills. For Reading, practice understanding various texts and answering comprehension questions. In writing, focus on regular practice to improve speed and clarity, and try different topics. For Language Conventions, review grammar, punctuation, and spelling rules, and practice identifying errors in past work. In Numeracy, start with basic calculations and gradually tackle more complex problems, building confidence with consistent practice.

• Take Practice Tests

One of the best ways to prepare for NAPLAN is by taking practice tests. These tests simulate the real NAPLAN experience and help you get comfortable with the time limits and types of questions. You can find plenty of practice tests online and even past NAPLAN papers, so give them a go.

• Build Strong Study Habits

Setting a study schedule is a great way to stay on track. Make sure you cover all the areas in the test and try to stick to a routine. Short, regular study sessions are often more effective than cramming. Also, make it a habit to review your work. The more you practice, the more you’ll improve.

• Ask for Help

If you’re stuck on something, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Whether it’s from a teacher, tutor, or even a study group, getting clarification on tricky topics can make a world of difference. You don't have to figure everything out alone.

So, this is how students can improve their practice. For parents reading this blog, here’s how you can help your child. 

Also Read: NAPLAN: How Should Students and Parents Prepare

Tips for Parents to Support NAPLAN Preparation

Parents, you have a huge role to play in supporting your child during NAPLAN prep. Here are a few ways to get involved:

• Encourage a Positive Mindset

It’s easy for kids to feel anxious about NAPLAN, but reminding them that it’s just one test in the grand scheme of their learning can help ease their worries. Encourage your child to do their best, but stress that effort is what truly counts.

• Create a Supportive Learning Environment

Make sure your child has a quiet, distraction-free space to study. This could be a corner of their room or a space at the kitchen table—wherever they feel most comfortable. Also, ensure they have all the materials they need—books, stationery, and access to a computer if necessary.

• Monitor Progress and Provide Feedback

Check in with your child regularly to see how they're progressing. Offer support when needed, and celebrate small victories along the way. Constructive feedback helps keep them on track and builds confidence.

• Manage Stress and Anxiety

Test anxiety is common, but there are ways to keep it under control. Encourage your child to take breaks when they need them, practice relaxation techniques, or even try deep breathing exercises. A calm, balanced approach goes a long way.

• Stay Informed and Involved

Keep up-to-date with any NAPLAN news or changes. Attend school meetings or reach out to teachers for updates on how your child is progressing. Being actively involved helps both you and your child stay on top of their prep.

Months of preparation comes to an end in the last week. So, here are some tips for the week before NAPLAN. 

The Week Before NAPLAN: Final Tips

The week before NAPLAN is all about review and relaxation. Here’s how to go about it. 

• Focus on Review, Not Cramming: Encourage your child to review key areas where they need a little extra help rather than cramming at the last minute. This will keep them from feeling overwhelmed and help them feel more confident.

• Ensure Plenty of Sleep: Make sure your child gets enough sleep in the days leading up to the test. A good night’s rest will help with focus and memory retention during the exam.

• Encourage Healthy Eating: A nutritious diet is essential for energy. Help your child eat balanced meals that will fuel their brain and keep them alert on test day.

• Promote Calmness: Remind your child that the goal is to do their best, not to stress. Keeping a calm mindset will help them approach the exam with confidence and focus.

A relaxing week leads to better test performance. Here are some tips for the D-day. 

Also Read: NAPLAN Test Preparation and Tutoring Course in Australia

On the Day of NAPLAN

Here’s what you can do to ensure that your child performs their best in NAPLAN. 

• Start with a Healthy Breakfast: Make sure your child has a nutritious breakfast to fuel them for the day ahead. A good meal will help them stay focused and energized.

• Rest is Key: Remind them that a good night’s sleep is just as important as their studies. A well-rested mind works better during the exam.

• Pack the Essentials: Double-check that your child has everything they need—pens, pencils, erasers, and any other materials required. Being prepared will ease their nerves.

• Encourage Calmness and Focus: Gently remind your child to stay calm and take their time. Encourage them to read the questions carefully and manage their time well so they don’t feel rushed.

Conclusion

As the big day approaches, remember that the preparation journey is just as important as the test itself. By starting early, maintaining a positive mindset, and sticking to a routine, you’re setting your child up for success. NAPLAN is just one moment in their educational journey, and with your support, they’ll not only do their best but also develop valuable skills for the future.

For extra help, the FunFox Program offers self-paced learning modules to master reading, writing, and language conventions, along with live revision sessions to reinforce key skills. The program also includes adaptive practice tests that mimic the exact NAPLAN format, helping your child navigate the exam with confidence.

For further assistance, book a call with us today!