Supporting Nervous Learners: How Families Can Prepare for NAPLAN and the School Year Ahead
Starting a new school year can feel exciting—but for many children, especially those facing NAPLAN testing or who identify as nervous learners, it can also feel overwhelming. As a parent, you want to give your child the tools, confidence, and calm they need to thrive. The good news? With gentle preparation and the right support, you can help your child feel ready, resilient, and even enthusiastic about the year ahead.
In this guide, we’ll explore practical strategies for preparing your child early for the school year, with a focus on NAPLAN preparation and building confidence in nervous learners.
🌱 Why Early Preparation Matters
Reduces anxiety: Nervous learners often feel stressed by uncertainty. Preparing early helps them feel secure.
Builds confidence: Small, consistent steps in maths, literacy, and problem-solving create a sense of achievement.
Supports NAPLAN readiness: Familiarity with test formats and skills reduces the “fear of the unknown.”
Encourages healthy routines: Early preparation helps children settle into sleep, study, and play patterns before school starts.
📘 Step 1: Create a Gentle Learning Routine
Children thrive on routine. For nervous learners, predictability is calming.
Set aside 15–20 minutes daily for light revision in maths or reading.
Use fun, low-pressure activities like puzzles, storybooks, or maths games.
Keep sessions short and positive—end on a success so your child feels proud.
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✏️ Step 2: Focus on NAPLAN Skills Without Stress
NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy, but preparation doesn’t need to be stressful.
Practice comprehension: Read short passages together and ask simple questions.
Build maths confidence: Use real-life examples (cooking, shopping) to practice addition, subtraction, and problem-solving.
Familiarise with formats: Show your child sample NAPLAN questions so they know what to expect.
👉 Remember: The goal isn’t perfection—it’s confidence and familiarity.
💬 Step 3: Support Nervous Learners Emotionally
Academic preparation is only half the story. Nervous learners need emotional reassurance.
Validate feelings: Let your child know it’s normal to feel nervous.
Teach calming strategies: Breathing exercises, stretching, or short breaks can help.
Celebrate effort, not just results: Praise persistence and progress.
This builds resilience and helps children approach challenges with a growth mindset.
🖥️ Step 4: Use Online Tutoring for Extra Support
For many families, online tutoring for primary students offers reassurance and structure.
Flexible sessions fit around family life.
Tutors can provide NAPLAN practice in a gentle, encouraging way.
Nervous learners benefit from one-on-one attention and personalised strategies.
As a Prep–Year 6 maths tutor, I specialise in helping children feel confident, supported, and ready for both everyday learning and NAPLAN.
📅 Step 5: Establish Healthy Back-to-School Habits
Preparation isn’t just academic—it’s lifestyle.
Sleep routines: Start adjusting bedtime a week before school begins.
Organised spaces: Create a calm, clutter-free study area.
Balanced activities: Mix learning with play, exercise, and family time.
These habits reduce stress and help children transition smoothly into the school year.
🎯 Key Takeaways for Parents
Start early with gentle routines.
Focus on confidence-building activities.
Use NAPLAN practice as a tool for familiarity, not pressure.
Support emotional wellbeing alongside academics.
Consider online tutoring for personalised guidance.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Preparing your child early for the upcoming school year—especially if they’re facing NAPLAN and are nervous learners—is about more than academics. It’s about creating a safe, supportive environment where they can grow in confidence, resilience, and joy. With the right balance of routine, emotional support, and gentle practice, your child can step into the school year feeling ready and capable.
Helping Your Child Feel Ready for the New School Year (NAPLAN Support for Nervous Learners) is ultimately about family connection: when parents and children work together with encouragement and gentle guidance, the journey into a new school year becomes less stressful and more rewarding for everyone.