How to Teach Test Taking Strategies to Students

Parents & guardians · Parent guide · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

Why Do Kids Need Test Taking Strategies and When Does This Skill Develop?

Kids need test-taking strategies because knowing the content alone isn’t enough to perform well on exams. Tests assess not only knowledge but also skills like reading instructions carefully, managing time, and staying calm under pressure. These abilities help children demonstrate what they truly know and reduce test anxiety. For example, a child who understands how to eliminate wrong answers on a multiple-choice test can improve their chances of selecting the correct option even when unsure.

Test-taking skills typically begin to develop in early elementary school when children start having formal assessments. Around ages 5 to 7, kids can learn basic habits like reading directions slowly and checking their work. Between ages 8 and 10, they become capable of using simple strategies such as marking questions they find difficult and returning to them later. By middle school, children can learn more complex techniques, including time management and stress control. Keeping these stages in mind helps parents introduce appropriate strategies at the right time, building skills gradually without overwhelming their child.

How Can Parents Teach Test Taking Strategies Age-by-Age?

Adapting test-taking instruction to a child’s age ensures it is clear and effective. Below is a detailed age-by-age guide for parents:

For example, with a 7-year-old, parents might say, “Let’s read the question slowly and see what it’s asking before choosing an answer.” A 12-year-old might be guided to skim an entire math test first to plan how much time to spend on each section. Parents should observe their child’s comfort level and adjust accordingly, introducing new strategies once earlier ones feel natural.

What Can Parents Say to Teach Test Taking Strategies? Sample Phrases

Words matter when teaching test-taking. Clear, calm language models the mindset kids need. Here are sample phrases parents can say:

• “Before you start, take a deep breath and read the instructions twice to make sure you understand.”
• “Answer the questions you know first to build confidence, then come back to the harder ones.”
• “If you’re stuck, try to cross out answers that don’t make sense.”
• “Keep an eye on the clock so you have time to check your work at the end.”
• “Remember, doing your best is what matters, not being perfect.”

Using phrases like these regularly helps children internalize effective habits and reduces stress before and during tests. Parents can role-play test scenarios with their child, practicing these lines to make them familiar and comfortable.

How Can Everyday Moments Help Build Test Taking Skills?

Everyday situations offer natural opportunities to practice test-taking skills without pressure. Parents can create fun, low-stakes moments to build abilities like careful reading, critical thinking, and time management:

• Reading comprehension: After reading a story, ask your child, “What was the main idea?” or “Can you tell me two details from the story?” This mimics short-answer questions and develops their ability to understand and recall information.
• Decision making: Play trivia or “20 Questions” where your child must eliminate wrong answers, just like on a multiple-choice test.
• Time awareness: During chores or homework, use a timer and encourage your child to pace themselves, learning to estimate how long tasks take.
• Memory practice: Quiz your child on everyday facts, like phone numbers or grocery lists, to strengthen recall skills.
• Following directions: Give multi-step instructions for simple tasks (e.g., “Put your toys away, then get your backpack”) to practice attention to detail.

For example, while cooking together, parents can ask their child to read a recipe step aloud and predict how long each step will take. These moments build test-related skills naturally, making formal assessments feel less intimidating.

What Are Common Mistakes Parents Make When Teaching Test Taking?

Some well-meaning parents unintentionally hinder their child’s progress by making these mistakes:

• Focusing only on content: Teaching only facts or homework without addressing how to approach tests can leave kids unprepared for test formats or time pressure.
• Rushing through strategies: Quickly listing many strategies without practicing each can confuse children.
• Being overly critical: Negative reactions to errors during practice increase anxiety and reduce confidence.
• Ignoring emotional support: Overlooking test anxiety or frustration can worsen performance; emotional readiness is key.
• Not modeling calm behavior: Children pick up on parent stress; demonstrating calmness helps them regulate their own nerves.

Parents should take a patient, supportive approach, gradually introducing strategies while encouraging effort and a positive attitude. For example, instead of saying, “You forgot to check your answers again!” try, “Let’s look back at a few questions together to be sure.”

When Should Parents Seek Extra Help for Test Taking Difficulties?

If your child continues to struggle despite support, it might be time to get additional help. Warning signs include:

• Persistent test anxiety that causes physical symptoms like stomachaches or headaches.
• Difficulty understanding test instructions across subjects.
• Time management problems that lead to unfinished tests.
• Frequent careless mistakes despite knowing the material.
• Emotional distress around testing times.

In these cases, parents can start by talking to their child’s teacher for insights and recommendations. School counselors or psychologists can provide anxiety management techniques or testing accommodations. Tutors specializing in test-taking skills can offer focused instruction. If learning disabilities are suspected, professional evaluation may be necessary. Early identification and intervention help children regain confidence and improve their test performance.

What Are Effective Multiple Choice Test Taking Strategies Parents Can Teach?

Multiple choice questions can seem tricky; parents can guide children through strategies to improve accuracy:

1. Read the question carefully: Understand what is being asked before looking at answer choices.
2. Review all options: Don’t rush to pick the first seemingly correct answer.
3. Eliminate wrong answers: Cross off choices that are clearly incorrect to narrow options.
4. Watch for tricky wording: Be cautious of absolutes like “always” or “never” in answers.
5. Use “all of the above” and “none of the above” clues: If two answer options are true, “all of the above” might be correct.
6. Make an educated guess: If unsure, guess after eliminating wrong choices; guessing is better than leaving blank.
7. Mark difficult questions: Skip and come back if time permits to avoid getting stuck.

Parents can practice multiple-choice questions with their child at home, discussing each step out loud. For example, ask, “What answers can we rule out here?” This turns test-taking into an interactive, learning process.

How Can Parents Encourage a Positive Mindset About Tests?

A positive mindset influences test performance as much as knowledge and skills. Parents can nurture this by:

• Praising effort and strategy use, not just correct answers.
• Reminding children that mistakes are normal and learning opportunities.
• Sharing stories about times they overcame challenges.
• Encouraging balanced routines that include breaks, healthy sleep, and fun.
• Helping children set realistic goals, such as improving step-by-step rather than aiming for perfection.

For example, saying, “I’m proud of how you stayed calm and took your time on that test,” reinforces good habits and builds confidence. A positive attitude helps reduce anxiety, improve focus, and strengthens resilience for future challenges.

Frequently asked questions

How early should I start teaching my child test-taking strategies?

Begin with simple steps around ages 5-7, such as reading questions carefully and staying calm. Build on these skills gradually as your child grows to include pacing, eliminating wrong answers, and time management.

What if my child gets anxious before or during tests?

Teach calming techniques like deep breathing and positive self-talk. Encourage regular practice under low-pressure conditions. If anxiety significantly affects performance, consider consulting a school counselor or mental health professional.

How can I help my child improve on multiple choice questions?

Practice elimination of wrong answers and careful reading of all options. Use practice quizzes and discuss each question together, focusing on process rather than speed.

Can everyday activities really help with test-taking skills?

Yes. Activities like reading comprehension, trivia games, timed chores, and following multi-step instructions build related skills naturally without stress, making tests less intimidating.

When should I ask for outside help with my child’s test struggles?

If your child consistently feels overwhelmed, misunderstands instructions, or performs poorly despite effort, talk to teachers, consider tutoring, or seek evaluation for learning challenges.