First Grade Math Test: Assess Your Student's Math Skills

Administering a First Grade Math Test at Home

The Benefits

At-home practice tests can help you identify your child's strengths and weaknesses. Once you know exactly what concepts your child is struggling with, you'll know what to focus on when you review at home.

You can also use the practice test as a way to introduce your first grader to test-taking strategies. He or she will be taking many multiple-choice tests in the upcoming years, so it's not too early to get your child accustomed to this type of test. First, teach your child the importance of reading the directions carefully. You might even read them aloud before your child begins. To make sure he or she understands what to do, ask your child to repeat the directions back to you.

You might also teach your child about the process of elimination. For multiple-choice questions, read through all of the answers together. Then, ask your child which answer seems the least likely to be correct. Cross out that answer, so you only have the plausible answers left.

Finally, encourage your child to show his or her work. Especially in elementary school, the teacher will be looking at your child's thinking process to make sure that he or she followed the correct steps. Remember, sometimes how you got the answer is more important than the answer itself.

Where to Get Practice Tests

Your state's department of education website might provide practice standardized tests for free. However, many states don't begin to administer tests until the third grade. Another resource to consider is your child's teacher. He or she may have past exams that you can use at home. Alternatively, worksheets can always double as exams for at-home use. If all else fails, do a quick search on the Internet for first grade math assessments. You'll likely find a variety of free resources. Just be sure the assessment covers concepts that your child has learned in school.

The Next Step

After grading your child's math test, the next step is to look for a pattern in the types of questions your child answered incorrectly. If you notice, for instance, that he or she struggles with identifying 2-dimensional shapes, like squares and triangles, then create at-home review sessions during which you review shapes.