Test Prep Success!

We all know the feeling of cramming for an important test at the last minute. The stress and pressure are hardly a winning combination, and often, the results are not what we had hoped for. High-stakes testing administered at the end of the year to measure student progress can have important consequences, such as grade level promotion or qualification for certain courses, programs, or schools. As spring break leads us closer to summer, and to those important year-end exams, here are some tips to help your students prepare.

Create a Study Plan

Create a structured study plan that allows for gradual learning and repetition to help avoid the last-minute crunch. Breaking study sessions into manageable chunks over weeks or months helps with retention and reduces stress.

Use Multisensory Learning Techniques

At Jill Abrams Tutoring, Inc., we are huge advocates of multisensory learning. Here are some ways that we may incorporate visual, auditory, and kinesthetic strategies into every session for effective learning:

• Reading notes aloud while tracing words

• Using colored overlays or highlighters to organize information

• Practicing spelling with sand trays or letter tiles

• Recording key concepts and listening to them repeatedly
  

Focus on Understanding, Not Just Memorization

Instead of rote memorization, help students connect concepts to real-life examples. Encourage them to explain ideas in their own words, use graphic organizers, or draw mind maps to visualize relationships between concepts.

Practice Test-Taking Strategies

Understanding test formats and practicing test-taking techniques can ease anxiety and improve performance. Strategies include:

• Skimming questions before reading passages

• Eliminating incorrect answer choices first

• Using scratch paper to jot down key points

• Taking timed practice tests to build stamina
  

How Specialized Tutoring Can Help

While parents can implement many of these strategies at home, professional tutoring can provide targeted support that makes a significant impact. A tutor trained in dyslexia-specific instruction can:

• Personalize study techniques based on the student’s learning style

• Strengthen reading, decoding, and comprehension skills

• Teach test-taking strategies that play to the student’s strengths

• Reduce test anxiety by building confidence through practice
  

At Jill Abrams Tutoring, Inc., we specialize in helping dyslexic students develop the skills they need to succeed. Our individualized, multisensory approach ensures that each student gets the tailored support they need to excel on tests and beyond.

If your child struggles with test preparation, they don’t have to face it alone. Our expert tutors can help them build confidence, improve their skills, and achieve their academic goals. Contact us today to learn how our specialized tutoring programs can make a difference in your child’s education.