What to Do (and Not Do) the Week Before the Test
The final week isn't about cramming—it's about arriving rested, confident, and ready. Here's how to set your child up for their best possible performance.
The Most Important Thing
By this point, your child knows what they know. Last-minute cramming doesn't improve performance—it increases anxiety and interferes with sleep. The goal now is optimal state, not extra learning.
Day-by-Day Guide
A suggested approach for the seven days before the test.
Days Before: Light Practice
- Light practice if your child wants to—15-20 minutes maximum
- Focus on exercises they find enjoyable and confidence-building
- Maintain normal routines—school, sport, play
- Avoid introducing new material or difficult challenges
Days Before: Wind Down
- Reduce practice to 10 minutes or skip entirely
- Start moving bedtime earlier if needed (15 mins at a time)
- Do something fun and active together
- Check all logistics: venue, travel route, what to bring
Days Before: Rest & Relax
- No test practice—the preparation phase is over
- Normal activities: play, read for fun, watch a movie
- Physical activity during the day helps with sleep
- Prepare bag and clothes the night before
Test Day Morning
- Normal wake time—not earlier than usual
- Familiar breakfast, not something new
- Arrive with time to spare but not too early
- Keep drop-off brief and positive
Sleep: The Performance Multiplier
Research shows sleep affects cognitive performance more than any last-minute practice. A well-rested child will perform better than a tired child with extra preparation.
Sleep Tips for the Week
- • 10-11 hours is ideal for 10-year-olds—more than most get
- • Screen-free hour before bed helps the brain wind down
- • Same routine each night—consistency signals sleep time
- • Don't stress about the night before—the sleep two nights before matters most
- • Cool, dark room promotes better sleep quality
Food & Drink
Cognitive performance is affected by blood sugar stability and hydration. Here's what helps.
Good Choices
- Protein + complex carbs (eggs on toast, porridge with nuts)
- Water—well hydrated brain works better
- Familiar foods they enjoy eating
- Small snack for the break (fruit, crackers)
Avoid
- High sugar cereals—cause energy crash
- Skipping breakfast ("I'm not hungry")
- New or unfamiliar foods
- Large portions that cause sluggishness
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Well-meaning actions that can backfire.
- Last-minute intensive practice
Creates anxiety and fatigue. If they don't know it by now, cramming won't help.
- Making test day "special" with unusual routines
Novel experiences increase anxiety. Normal is calming.
- Talking about the test constantly
Follow your child's lead—if they want to discuss it, listen. If not, don't push.
- Expressing your own anxiety
"I'm so nervous for you" adds pressure. Project calm confidence instead.
- Elaborate pep talks at drop-off
Keep it brief and normal: "Have a good day. See you soon."
Test Day Checklist
Bag Contents
Logistics
After the Test
How you respond when it's over matters too.
Don't interrogate
Resist the urge to ask "How did it go?" repeatedly. A simple "How do you feel?" is enough. Let them lead the conversation—or not have one at all.
Celebrate the completion
Mark the end of the preparation journey with something fun—regardless of how they feel it went. This was an achievement of effort, not just outcome.
Return to normal life
Don't keep the test alive by discussing it for days. Get back to regular activities. The waiting period is long—don't extend the test's shadow.
Preparation Builds Confidence
Children who have practiced well arrive at the test feeling ready. Our Writing Gym builds genuine skill and confidence through deliberate practice with instant feedback.