How to Support Your Child Before NAPLAN 2026 | Parent Tips

Welcome back to NAPLAN Ready: A Parent's Guide. As we move closer to NAPLAN 2026, you might be wondering how best to support your child during this time. This week, we're sharing practical tips to help your child feel prepared and confident.

What ACARA Says About NAPLAN Preparation

The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) emphasises that NAPLAN assesses the literacy and numeracy skills your child is learning through their regular school curriculum. The tests are designed to reflect what students have been taught in their schooling so far.

How You Can Help Your Child

The most valuable support you can provide is reassurance and encouragement:

• Normalise the experience – Let your child know that NAPLAN is simply part of their school programme
• Focus on effort – Remind them to do their best
• Reframe the purpose – Help them understand that the tests aren't about passing or failing, but about showing what they know
• Manage anxiety – Encourage them to stay calm and engaged during the tests

Understanding Tailored Testing

Your child shouldn't be concerned if they find questions challenging during the test. The online tests adapt to each student's responses, presenting more or less difficult questions based on their answers.

If your child encounters difficult questions, they may be taking a more complex test pathway—this is actually a good sign! A student's overall NAPLAN result is based on both the number and complexity of questions they answer correctly.

What This Means for Your Child

Students who demonstrate strong understanding will be presented with more challenging questions. This adaptive approach means:

• More capable students aren't bored by questions that are too easy
• Struggling students aren't overwhelmed by questions that are too difficult
• Every student can demonstrate what they truly know and can do

Digital Skills: What Your Child Needs

For online testing, students do not need to be able to touch type. The test is not about keyboarding skills—students use the same digital skills they use in everyday classroom activities.

Your child should be comfortable with:

• Using a mouse or trackpad
• Basic keyboard use (they don't need to be fast)
• Navigating between screens
• Using simple editing tools like copy and paste

Best Practices for NAPLAN Preparation

Remember, the best preparation includes:

• Maintaining routine – Keep your child's regular learning routine
• Ensuring rest – Make sure they get adequate sleep, especially in the week leading up to testing
• Building confidence – Help them approach the tests with a positive mindset
• Staying informed – Read through this blog series to understand what to expect