NAPLAN preparation is beginning at all schools. McAuley have scheduled Online Practise Tests in the next few weeks, as directed by The Australian Government, for all the students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. As children progress through their school years, it is very important that checks are made along the way to see how well they are learning the essential skills of reading, writing and mathematics – skills that will set them upon the path to success as adults.

NAPLAN is a point-in-time assessment that allows parents to see how their child is progressing in literacy and numeracy against the national standard and compared with their peers throughout Australia. At the classroom level, NAPLAN provides additional information to support teachers’ professional judgement about student progress.

Federal, state and territory education ministers agreed to gradually transition NAPLAN online by 2022. NAPLAN Online is a tailored test that adapts to student responses, providing better assessment and more precise results. Your child’s teacher will be able to tell you in what mode your child will do NAPLAN and if you have any concerns in regard to your child’s participation, please conduct his/her classroom teacher.

BELOW ARE SOME HINTS TO ASSIST YOU AND YOUR CHILD. 

Literacy and numeracy are essential skills that children need to succeed in their everyday lives. As a parent or carer and your child's first teacher, you have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to supporting your child's learning — from the time they are an infant through to adulthood.

When your child starts school and throughout their education, it is critical for you to continue to play an active role in helping to develop your child's literacy and numeracy so that they can achieve the best possible outcomes. Ensuring that your child feels confident talking to you and their teacher about their school work will enhance their opportunity to thrive.

The first few years of reading is a wonderful time for your child. Books expose them to new ideas and new worlds, and their imagination grows. Talk positively about reading so your child also values it. Continue to read as much as you can with your child. When they feel confident, encourage them to take over some or all of the reading. Always be patient when they are reading and try not to emphasise speed. Also, try to read as much as possible yourself to model reading to your child.

These years are a time when your child will learn more about the world. Engaging them in discussions improves their speaking skills. As well as helping them understand the world and their place in it. In these years your child will also begin to write with greater confidence. The ability to write well enables your child to communicate effectively It will improve their chances of success at school and in their future careers. Encourage your child to write as often as possible, on a range of topics and interests. Literacy can always be fun and engaging. Let your child choose books and activities matched to their interests. Always encourage a healthy dose of fun and play in all activities. This will help foster in your child a love of reading, talking and writing.

Support your child's learning by giving them opportunities to discuss and engage in maths. Your child will begin to connect the importance of maths with everyday activities. Including navigating public transport, choosing the best item to buy, budgeting, and cooking.

Talk positively about maths so your child also values it. If your experiences in maths at school were less than ideal, avoid making comments like “I was bad at maths at school”. Comments like these can lower your child’s expectations of themselves. They can also perpetuate myths about people being good or bad at maths. If you did well at maths in school, avoid jumping in with answers or solutions. Encourage your child to talk about how they might work out maths problems. This helps boost their confidence and deepens their understanding.

Maths today is not about learning by repetition. Today, the focus is on recognising that there are many ways to get an answer. Rather, it is important to be able to explain how and why you chose the approach you did. There are many activities you can do at home to help explore maths with your child. When participating in these activities, avoid associating them with speed. Expecting your child to work quickly on maths can cause maths anxiety. Try to focus on the process and not the outcome.

- Mrs Libby Black, Primary Campus Coordinator.