How to Prepare for NAPLAN

NAPLAN Test(National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) was established in 2008. It is an annual examination for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 across Australia. 

As the name suggests, the main focus of NAPLAN is to assess students’ competency in numeracy, measurement, geometry, statistics, algebra, reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation. Literacy and numeracy are considered fundamental requirements, as all other learning depends on them. According to ACARA (The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority), the NAPLAN is valuable because it: 

1. Provides information on how students are performing, so there can be improvements in teaching and learning. 
2. Gives schools the ability to measure their students’ achievements and performances against national standards. 

Just like any other exam, NAPLAN can be extremely stressful for both students and their teachers who have to prepare their students for the exam. The key is building up numeracy and literacy skills over time.

Here are some effective ways to prepare for the NAPLAN: 

NAPLAN Past Papers

Students can practice and prepare for NAPLAN by trying out completing the past papers. This will help students become familiar with the layout and timing of the exam, and should help them feel less anxious. These mock tests are available online or in handbooks. The official NAPLAN site also offers free example question booklets and past test papers. 

NAPLAN Coordinated Practice Test (CPT) 

The nationwide practice test is held on Thursday the 24th of March, 2022. All schools are invited to participate. The benefits of this coordinated practice test include: 

• It tests the capabilities of the NAPLAN platform and ensures that there are no issues beforehand. 
• Students can familiarise themselves with the online test format before the NAPLAN exam in May. Teachers are able to assess whether students need more preparation before NAPLAN. 
• Students get to experience the test format, functions, and tools of the online test in an actual exam environment. 

Keep Developing Numeracy and Literacy Skills 

Helping students continue to develop their numeracy and literacy skills is an invaluable way to prepare them for the NAPLAN exam. 

Numeracy 

The numeracy part of NAPLAN tests students on four key areas including understanding, fluency, problem-solving, and reasoning. Teachers can help prepare students for the numeracy part of the exam by teaching them numbers and algebra, measurement and geometry, and statistics and probability. 

Although learning maths can be daunting for a lot of students, teachers can make it easier by presenting a ‘maths problem of the day’. Consequently, using visual aids can also help students retain information easier. 

Language 

The literacy part of NAPLAN includes spelling, grammar, punctuation which is tested along with the writing tasks. 

Writing 

For the writing section, students are asked to write something based on an idea or topic which is used as a prompt. Students are given a certain time limit to write a piece of text in either a persuasive or narrative writing style. 

The three main genres are: 

• Imaginative writing: Language is used to explore human experiences in both the real and imaginary worlds and includes fairy tales, plays, poetry and illustrated books. 
• Informative writing: This style is used to represent ideas and information about people, places, events, and issues. Reports, biographies, news articles, and features are used.
• Persuasive writing: These pieces of writing present a point of view and should persuade an audience. Includes arguments, debates, reviews, advertisements, and letters to the editor.

Incorporating a rapid writing exercise into your daily lesson plan will help students feel more confident writing under pressure and with a time limit. Encouraging reading will also prepare them for the literacy part of NAPLAN. 

Encourage Students 

Students will naturally feel anxious before the NAPLAN test. Therefore it is important for parents and teachers to not put too much pressure on the student. Instead encourage them to do their best and ensure that they’re feeling confident and as prepared as they can be. 

At Eye Level Learning, we are a global education service provider that takes pride in helping students become critical thinkers and confident learners. We provide Maths and English programmes for self-directed learning which is perfect for NAPLAN preparation in Australia. Contact us at 0439 358 588 or visit our website to find out more: http://www.eyelevellearning.com.au/ 

Download our Free Study Timetable to make planning Daily, Weekly, or Monthly much easier. 

Click here to learn about 7 Easy Habits for More Productive Study