Standardized tests play a major role in the U.S. education system. If your child has mentioned these exams—or seems nervous about them—you’re not alone. Teachers spend much of the year preparing students for standardized testing, often tailoring instruction to match state standards. But you may be wondering: Why is test preparation so important? And how can I help my child succeed during testing season?
In this post, we’ll break down the impact of standardized testing, share practical test prep resources, and explain how to support your child through every step of standardized test preparation
What Do Standardized Tests Measure?
Understanding the impact of standardized testing helps parents see why these exams matter. These tests measure how well students are meeting grade-level goals based on state and national standards. They also provide a snapshot of your child’s academic strengths and areas that may need support. Since standardized tests can vary state to state, it’s helpful to know what applies to your child.
Check out this helpful: List of Standardized Tests by State.
How to Help Your Child with Standardized Test Preparation
Before the Test 
Strong preparation starts long before test day. By supporting your child at home, you can reduce stress and build lasting learning habits.:
1. Build Strong Study Habits
Set up a regular routine for homework, review, and rest. Make sure your child has a quiet space to study and time to focus on schoolwork without distractions.
If your child is preparing for a reading test, encourage 15–20 minutes of reading each day. Include a mix of books, short articles, and even magazines. Choose materials with comprehension questions and critical thinking prompts to boost understanding. Many of our tutors rely on Scholastic-style texts to support standardized test prep at home.
2. Practice Makes Progress
Regular practice builds familiarity and confidence. Use test prep resources like sample questions, online quizzes, or timed mini-tests to simulate test conditions. Gradually increase the length of practice sessions to build stamina and focus.
These tools not only support online test preparation, but also help your child understand what to expect from their specific standardized test.
3. Focus on Areas That Need Improvement
If your child struggles with a certain subject, take time to review schoolwork in that area. Ask your child’s teacher for insights on what to focus on. Identifying gaps early can help boost your child’s confidence and test readiness.
On Test Day
Now that your child is prepared, help them feel calm and ready with these simple test day tips:
1. Rest and Healthy Food
Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep. Limit screen time before bed and try calming activities like story time, deep breathing, or simple meditation. A nutritious breakfast and healthy snacks will also help keep your child energized and focused.
2. Keep It Positive
Your mindset matters! Remind your child that they are prepared and capable. Encourage them to do their best—and let them know that no matter the outcome, you’ll figure things out together.
3. Double-Check Supplies
Most tests are done on a computer, but it’s still a good idea to bring a pencil, eraser, and sharpener—just in case.
After the Test
Just because the test is over doesn’t mean the learning stops. Reflection and follow-up are key parts of effective test preparation.
1. Talk About the Experience
Ask your child how the test went. Celebrate their hard work and listen closely to their thoughts. If they mention any tricky parts, make note of them. These reflections are helpful for planning next steps.
2. Review the Results Together
Once the results arrive, take time to review them as a team. Talk about what went well and highlight areas that need more attention. This conversation helps your child feel involved in their own learning.
3. Keep the Momentum Going
Don’t wait until the next test date to start again. Keep the momentum going by continuing with light review, enrichment activities, or even enrolling in a test prep program. Many parents find that a mix of online test preparation and personal tutoring works best.
We Can Help!
At Bilingual Bridges, we specialize in math, language arts, and world language standardized test preparation for K-12 students of all backgrounds. Our highly trained tutors speak multiple languages and know how to adapt to each child’s unique needs through engaging, data-driven instruction.
Whether your child needs help in math, language arts, world languages, or even test-taking strategies, we’re here to support you. Our global team offers flexible scheduling, so no matter where you are, we can find a time that works.
Ready to book a trial class? Click here to get started!
Written by Maria Sara Arias
Curriculum and Instruction Specialist
Bilingual Bridges
