The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an annual assessment of Australian students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. There are four tests covering the areas of reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.
The tests are constructed to give students an opportunity to demonstrate skills they have learned over time through the school curriculum, and NAPLAN test days should be treated as just another routine event on the school calendar. In 2018 the NAPLAN tests will be held nationwide for three days on 15-17 May.
Sometime in August/September you receive an individual report, usually, showing your child’s results and a national comparison of their performance against other Australian students in their year level.
Here are some tips to help your child prepare for NAPLAN….
Ensure they eat well in the days and even weeks leading up to the test. If you are interested in nutrition, I suggest you look into Omega 3 DHA. DHA stands for DocosaHexaenoic Acid and is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid that is a special component of our eyes, brain and nerve tissues.
It is one of three key omega-3 fatty acids that are important in our health. DHA is found primarily in fish and seafood. Since DHA is important for cognitive development, it is also found in breast milk. This is true even if the mother does not consume fish, or any animal products, as DHA is made from ALAs, which are found in plants. This is good news for vegetarians. Foods high in DHA include fish oil, oily fish such as salmon, algae and seaweed.
Ensure they sleep well. As I mentioned in last month’s newsletter, sleep deprivation can have a significant affect on our cognitive abilities. Make sure they drink plenty of water. Water keeps the brain hydrated so it can work at its peak capacity.
And lastly, reassure them that NAPLAN tests are just one part of their school program, and to urge them to simply do the best they can on the day.
