Reading tests can be frightening for children (and parents, too). A new brochure from the International Reading Association, "Prepare Your Child for Reading Tests," attempts to reduce some of the anxiety by explaining the purposes of different types of reading tests and offering tips on helping children get ready to take them.

The brochure explains the difference between the classroom tests given by teachers throughout the year and the more formal, often standardized tests that are given to measure student and school progress toward meeting specific standards or expectations. It also explains the types of information that teachers and reading specialists can gain from these tests.

The brochure offers tips for preparing children to do their best on reading tests.

Reduce anxiety by explaining the importance of tests, but develop a positive attitude and put the test in proper perspective.

Make sure your child gets a good night's sleep for a few days before a test.

Provide a good breakfast that is nutritionally balanced but not too heavy on test day.

Provide your child with a nutritious snack to eat during a break time in the test.

Stay positive on test days. When your child gets home from school, ask how the test went, and offer encouragement and support.

After the test, be aware of your child's test performance, and make an appointment with the teacher if you need help interpreting results.

The brochure also offers a variety of general tips for things parents can do on a regular basis to help children learn to read more effectively. "No matter what your experience with school and reading tests, with the right preparation and outlook, your child's test-taking experience will be positive," concludes the brochure. "You can help prepare your child for reading tests by following some of the tips offered here, or by asking for more information from your child's teacher or school."

Single copies of "Prepare Your Child for Reading Tests" are available free. Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Testing Brochure, International Reading Association, 800 Barksdale Rd., PO Box 8139, Newark, DE 19714-8139, USA. Single copies also can be downloaded free for personal use through the Association's website at http://www. reading .org/publica tions/brochures/brochures.html.

Bulk copies of "Prepare Your Child for Reading Tests" are available for purchase in quantities of 100. For pricing information, visit the Association's Online Bookstore at http://bookstore. reading .or or call 800-336- READ , ext. 266.

Book offers tips on reading aloud

Read It Aloud!, written by Monty Haas and Laurie Joy Haas, provides parents with numerous tips for effectively reading aloud with their children. The book is published by The Reading Railroad and is co-distributed by the International Reading Association.

The book's 27 chapters offer a wealth of practical advice for parents, caregivers, reading volunteers, and others who share books aloud with children. Lots of activities and games are included, such as "Parachuting Porcupines" to teach alliteration and "Pun Pictures" to teach homonyms and puns.

In addition, the book includes lists of appropriate children's magazines and references to lots of great children's books. " Read It Aloud! is outstanding!" says Jim Trelease, author of the bestselling book The Read -Aloud Handbook.

Read It Aloud! (IRA book number 9163-448) is available from the International Reading Association at a cost of US$15.96 for members and US$19.95 for nonmembers, plus shipping. For ordering information on this and other books available through the Association, see the "New From IRA" feature on page 35.

Copyright International Reading Association Feb/Mar 2002