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February 20, 2025Haley

How to Improve Test Scores in Elementary School (Without the Stress)

How to Improve Test Scores - Colorful pencils

Looking to help your students feel more confident on standardized tests?

Testing isn't everything—but test-taking skills are a real life skill. Students use them in school, in college entrance exams, certification tests, and even later in life when they have to perform under pressure (like interviews or timed tasks).

When we teach kids how to take tests—staying calm, reading carefully, using strategies, and checking their work—we're building skills that go beyond one day of testing.

1. Start Early (Build Skills All Year)

Test prep doesn't have to be a huge "season." The best results come from small, consistent practice throughout the year—especially with reading comprehension, math reasoning, and written explanations.

Try This

Add one "test-style" question to warm-ups once or twice a week.

2. Focus on Understanding, Not Memorizing

Students don't need to memorize tricks—they need to understand what the question is asking and why an answer makes sense.

Try This

Ask, "How do you know?" and "What would convince you this is correct?"

3. Teach Test-Taking Strategies Explicitly

Most kids don't automatically know how to pace themselves or eliminate answers. Teaching strategies directly can make a huge difference.

Teach students to:
  • Underline key words
  • Restate the question in their own words
  • Eliminate wrong answers
  • Show work and check reasonableness
  • Skip and return if stuck
Students focused on test-taking strategies in the classroom

4. Practice the Format (So It Feels Familiar)

The format of standardized tests can trip students up—even when they know the content. A little practice builds confidence and reduces anxiety.

Try This

Use short practice sets (5–10 questions) instead of long test packets.

5. Build a Positive Testing Mindset

Students perform better when they feel calm and prepared. Keep the tone supportive, not scary.

Try these phrases:
  • "This is a chance to show what you know."
  • "Use your strategies."
  • "One question at a time."

6. Address Test Anxiety With Simple Routines

A consistent routine helps students feel safe and focused.

Quick routine to teach:
  1. Deep breath
  2. Read the question twice
  3. Underline important info
  4. Answer and check

7. Teach Math Vocabulary + Math Talk

Standardized tests are language-heavy. When students regularly say the math words out loud, they understand concepts more deeply and can handle questions asked in different ways.

Try This

Add a daily "math talk" prompt: "Explain your strategy using at least 2 math terms."

Use sentence stems:

  • "I noticed..."
  • "This is equivalent because..."
  • "My evidence is..."

Have students practice restating the question in their own words before solving.

Quick Recap

In the end, testing isn't the whole story of a child—but learning how to handle test questions is still a valuable skill.

When students have strong content knowledge and strong strategies, they walk into testing days with:

  • More confidence
  • Less stress
  • Better results

Resources to Support Test Prep

If you're looking for classroom-ready resources to support test prep and build confidence, here are a few that teachers love:

  • Math Vocabulary Posters (Grades 1–6): Great for building a consistent word wall and supporting math talk all year.
  • Test Reviews (Grades 3–5): Help students practice test formats without overwhelm.
  • Quizzes (Grade 3): Quick assessments you can use for practice, review, or progress monitoring.

Check out my store for these and more test-prep resources!