Why your kids shouldn’t be preparing for NAPLAN, according to an expert

“It’s certainly not a test that they – or their parents for that matter – need to be stressed about taking.” 

By Maura Manning, Director and CEO at Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) NSW Colleges Ltd 

Every year since 2008, Australian students in grades three, five, seven, and nine sit the NAPLAN test to assess their literacy and numeracy abilities.

After working as an educator for more than 20 years, I’ve witnessed a narrative in our culture that describes anxious parents and children preparing for NAPLAN by reading advice articles, hiring tutors, and paying for practice exams.

Amidst this frenzy of NAPLAN preparation, you can imagine how shocked most parents are when they ask me how many hours their child should spend studying for their NAPLAN test and my answer is simple: zero.

As surprising as this answer might be, the truth is that NAPLAN isn’t a test that children need to prepare for, and it’s certainly not a test that they – or their parents for that matter – need to be stressed about taking. 

What does NAPLAN test for?

As explained by the Australian Curriculum and Assessment Reporting Authority (ACARA), NAPLAN is designed to identify whether young Australians are reaching important literacy and numeracy goals. Its purpose is to help the government, education authorities, schools, and parents to identify areas of improvement and support opportunities in the teaching and learning of literacy and numeracy.

The idea that parents should pressure their children to study for the NAPLAN test is misguided at best and harmful at worst. Research shows that the pressure associated with NAPLAN testing is linked to decreased student well-being, a factor that likely contributes to why Australian children have some of the lowest levels of mental health amongst the world’s richest countries.

How parents can help kids during the NAPLAN testing period

If we want our children to perform their best, we should forget all the noise that surrounds the NAPLAN testing period and encourage them to engage with learning all year round, both inside and outside of the classroom.

Rather than focusing on helping your child ace their NAPLAN test, parents should instead teach their children about the value and impact of learning in everyday life. This will do a far better job of helping our kids develop the skills they need to thrive by creating a positive culture around learning – not teaching them that last-minute study and great test results are the be-all and end-all.

The benefits of reading

Reading is one of the most effective ways to do this, with research showing that reading to or with your child improves academic and emotional outcomes. These benefits include improved sleep, enhanced mental well-being, and – yes – better outcomes in both literacy and numeracy for NAPLAN testing. 

Helping your child form healthy habits and routines is also essential for creating a positive relationship between learning and their sense of well-being. For example, encouraging them to read every night before bed can help to improve their relationship with reading, showing them that it’s an enjoyable and rewarding activity that can enrich every area of their lives. The same goes for other healthy habits, such as participating in sports, having a healthy social life, and investing time in hobbies they find engaging and enjoyable.

Focus on the value of learning

In a time when children are experiencing more mental health issues than ever before, shifting the way we approach NAPLAN is essential. Being laser-focused on seeing your child’s results match or eclipse those of their peers doesn’t help their education or well-being at the end of the day. What does help, however, is motivating your child to see the benefits and value of learning, and this can only be achieved by providing them with a level-headed and holistic approach to education.

So to all my fellow parents reading this, I encourage you to shift your focus from “how can I make sure my child performs well on their NAPLAN test?” to “how can I help my child develop healthy, enjoyable habits that benefit their academic, social, and emotional lives?”

I promise this shift in perspective will ultimately benefit your child’s learning and success well beyond the NAPLAN.