NAPLAN doesn't have to be stressful. The 2026 test window runs 11–23 March, which means most families have the entire summer break and early Term 1 to prepare calmly. Here are ten proven ways to help your child do their best — without burning anyone out.
- Start early, but keep it light. Begin preparing 4–6 weeks before the test window. Short, regular practice sessions (15–20 minutes) are far more effective than cramming.
- Use ACARA's official resources. The ACARA website provides public demonstration tests and past NAPLAN papers. These are the most accurate representation of what your child will see on test day — including the drag-and-drop and highlighting formats used online.
- Read together every day. Reading is the single best thing you can do to improve NAPLAN performance across all subjects. Discuss what you've read — ask questions about characters, main ideas and new vocabulary.
- Make maths part of everyday life. Cooking (measuring ingredients), shopping (calculating change), telling time and reading maps all build numeracy skills naturally.
- Practise writing at home. Encourage your child to write short stories, opinion pieces or journal entries. Focus on structure, vocabulary and proofreading — and remember the genre is a surprise, so practise both narrative and persuasive.
- Familiarise them with the online format. NAPLAN is online except for Year 3 writing. Let your child explore the ACARA demonstration site so they are comfortable with dragging, dropping and typing answers.
- Teach test-taking strategies. Show your child how to read questions carefully, eliminate wrong answers, manage time and move on if they're stuck.
- Talk about the test positively. Frame NAPLAN as a way to show what they know, not a scary exam. Avoid calling it a "test" — call it a "check-in" or "activity".
- Ensure good sleep and nutrition. During test week, prioritise early bedtimes and healthy breakfasts. A tired or hungry child cannot perform at their best.
- Keep perspective. NAPLAN is one measure on one day. It does not define your child's intelligence or potential. Praise effort, not results, and celebrate what they do well.
Quick Checklist for Test Week
- Check the test schedule with your child's school — writing is on Day 1
- Ensure the school has up-to-date contact details
- Prepare headphones if required for the online test
- Arrive at school on time each day
- Pack a healthy lunch and water bottle
- For Year 3: a sharp pencil and practised handwriting for the paper writing test
Common Mistakes Parents Make
- Turning preparation into punishment — worksheets every night create anxiety; mix practice with reading and games.
- Comparing your child to siblings or classmates — every child develops at their own pace; NAPLAN is a snapshot, not a race.
- Overemphasising one domain — a balanced routine covering reading, writing and numeracy beats drilling one subject.
- Ignoring the school's advice — teachers know your child's gaps; ask them what to focus on.
Related Guides
- NAPLAN Overview — understanding the program
- How NAPLAN Results Work — what the scores mean
- NAPLAN Writing Guide — narrative vs persuasive
The Week Before: A Day-by-Day Plan
- 7 days out: confirm the school's schedule (writing is Day 1); set a consistent bedtime.
- 5–6 days out: one 20-minute practice session on the weakest domain only.
- 3–4 days out: no formal practice — just reading for pleasure and everyday maths.
- 2 days out: pack everything (headphones if required, water bottle); talk positively about the week.
- Test days: healthy breakfast, arrive early, and plan a treat for after each session.
When to Seek Extra Help
If your child consistently struggles with reading or maths at school — not just around NAPLAN — ask the school about support early. Signs worth acting on: difficulty sounding out words in Year 3–4, avoiding reading aloud, extreme maths anxiety, or a previous NAPLAN result of "Needs Additional Support". Schools have reading recovery and numeracy intervention programs; private tutoring and programs like Reading Eggs or Mathseeds can complement them. NAPLAN is simply a useful early-warning system — the action you take afterwards is what matters.
Supporting Without Hovering
There's a line between helping and hovering. Sit with your child for the first practice session, then step back — let them make mistakes and learn to check their own work. Ask "what did you find tricky?" rather than "how did you go?". If your child is anxious, name the feeling, normalise it ("everyone feels a bit nervous about tests"), and remind them NAPLAN is just one snapshot — and that you're proud of them regardless.