Preparing for NAPLAN

NAPLAN can feel like a big event in the school calendar for many Australian students and families. If you’re wondering whether your child should be preparing for NAPLAN, this guide will help you understand what the tests involve, how to support your child’s confidence and answer common NAPLAN FAQS.

What is NAPLAN?

The NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy & Numeracy) is an annual school exam for Australian students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. It evaluates how well children are developing foundational literacy and numeracy skills that are critical for all other learning.

NAPLAN tests measure students’ proficiency in four key areas:

Reading

The NAPLAN reading test evaluates comprehension skills. Students need to read several passages of varied lengths and answer questions about these passages.

Writing

The NAPLAN writing test evaluates students’ ability to write accurately, fluently and purposefully. Students are given a writing prompt and need to produce a longform response in a particular text type – either narrative or persuasive.

Language Conventions

The NAPLAN language conventions test evaluates three key areas of literacy – spelling, grammar and punctuation. This test uses a combination of multiple choice, short answer and digital activities.

Numeracy

The NAPLAN numeracy test evaluates four areas of mathematical skills – understanding, fluency, problem-solving and reasoning. Most of the questions are worded problems with many including a visual diagram. This means that the numeracy paper also relies on reading and comprehension skills. An online calculator is available for the test but students in Years 7 and 9 also need to complete a short non-calculator section.

When is NAPLAN?

NAPLAN test dates change each year but is typically held in March each year over a 9-day test window. Your child’s school will notify you of their exact schedule and you can check the NAPLAN website for the most up-to-date information. All tests are completed online, except the Year 3 writing test.

All students complete the writing test on the first day of assessment. The remaining tests can be completed at any time throughout the test window but must follow the same order in every school – reading, language conventions, then numeracy.

How to Prepare for NAPLAN

Preparing for NAPLAN is less about studying content and more about building students’ confidence under test conditions and familiarity with the online test format. Unlike classroom tests, NAPLAN assess literacy and numeracy skills developed over time.

There are many ways to help students feel confident going into NAPLAN.

Practise Foundational Skills

The most effective NAPLAN preparation starts long before the test window. Consistent, everyday practise of foundational literacy and numeracy skills over time is more beneficial than cramming in the few weeks before testing. Read books with your child daily, get their help writing the weekly shopping list and play number-based card and board games.

There are also many iPad apps that provide fun ways to help your child practise core literacy and numeracy skills like ABC Reading Eggs (opens in a new tab) PopMath, myBlee Math App (opens in a new tab) and Khan Academy Kids (opens in a new tab).

Use the NAPLAN Public Demonstration Site

NAPLAN’s public demonstration site (opens in a new tab) provides an opportunity for students to become familiar with the online test functions. Use this tool to practise typing, clicking and dragging, and to explore features like the timer, zoom and question navigation. If your child is accessing special provisions (opens in a new tab) like alternative questions and colour themes, you can preview these here too.

Look at Past NAPLAN Papers

The public demonstration site includes a small number of example questions for each test. You can find more examples from NAPLAN past papers between 2008 (opens in a new tab)–2016 (opens in a new tab) on the ACARA website to help with NAPLAN preparation. When looking at example questions, focus on what your child or student needs to do to understand and respond to the question rather than whether they can answer it correctly.

For example:

• Do they understand all the wh- questions (opens in a new tab)?
• Do they understand verbs like ‘match’ or ‘choose’?

If you decide to persevere with practice questions Excel Test Zone includes a range of online practice tests where feedback can be obtained: http://www.exceltestzone.com.au (opens in a new tab)

Address Test Anxiety

A lot of emphasis is placed on tests and NAPLAN in school and the media so it’s natural for students to feel a little anxious, particularly if they have learning difficulties (opens in a new tab), Dyslexia (opens in a new tab), ADHD (opens in a new tab) and disabilities that affect their participation

Acknowledge your child’s concerns and reassure them that they only need to try their best. Emphasise that you are confident in their ability and this is just to check in on how they are doing at school.

Prioritise Self-Care

Students can only do their best when they are feeling their best. Preparing for NAPLAN should include looking after your child’s wellbeing before and after each test. Supporting your child’s self-care can include:

• Making sure they get a good night’s sleep before the test
• Maintaining a calm environment at home during the NAPLAN test window
• Providing a substantial breakfast the morning of their NAPLAN tests
• Packing nutritious snacks to keep them fuelled throughout the day
• Scheduling a fun activity for the afternoon of their test such as a trip to the park or an ice cream
• Avoid asking too many questions about NAPLAN. Ask your child if they tried their best and tell them, “Well done.” This is all they could possibly have done.