NAPLAN Is Coming Up | Here’s a Simple 6-Week Preparation Plan

By Pascal Press I January 9, 2026

As NAPLAN approaches, many families wonder how best to prepare without adding unnecessary pressure. The most effective preparation isn’t about cramming, it’s about building skills steadily and confidently over time. Research shows that short, regular practice using proven learning strategies is far more effective than last-minute study.

A clear plan can reduce stress, provide structure and help students see their progress. This six-week preparation plan is designed to be simple, flexible and manageable for busy families. It can be adapted for different year levels while keeping the focus on confidence, consistency and balance.

Why a plan works

A clear plan reduces stress and helps students build confidence gradually. Learning research consistently supports spaced (distributed) practice over “cramming,” with a systematic review/meta-analysis of classroom studies finding a moderate benefit for distributed practice. 

Research reviews for teachers also highlight two of the most effective approaches for learning:

• Spaced Practice
• Practice Testing (retrieval practice) 
  
  

Below is a simple six-week structure you can adapt by year level.

Week 1: Set a baseline (keep it light)

Goal: identify strengths and 1–2 focus areas.

• 2 short sessions: reading + numeracy (15–25 minutes)
• 1 short language session: spelling/grammar/punctuation
• Keep notes: What felt easy? What felt tricky?

Week 2: Build routine + core skills

Goal: consistency and confidence.

• 3 short sessions across the week (not all at once)
• Daily reading continues (10–15 minutes)
• Add one “explain your thinking” numeracy task
  
  (Spacing practice across the week is the point — not the total time.)

Week 3: Introduce NAPLAN-style questions (small doses)

Goal: familiarity without pressure.

• 1 session reading questions (focus on why an answer is correct)
• 1 session numeracy questions (multi-step, data, word problems)
• 1 session language conventions
  
  Use practice testing gently: attempt first, then check and correct.

Week 4: Strengthen weak spots + build writing stamina

Goal: turn tricky areas into “can do.”

• 1 writing session: plan → draft → quick edit
• 2 targeted skills sessions (choose the weakest areas)
• Keep reading daily

Week 5: Confidence week (small timed practice)

Goal: comfort with pacing.

• 1–2 short timed sets (very manageable time limits)
• Focus on accuracy and calm routines
• Reinforce sleep and breaks
  
  If anxiety spikes, reassure students it’s normal and keep practice brief and predictable. Test anxiety research shows it’s common and meaningful, and that supportive approaches can help.

Week 6: Consolidate and taper

Goal: readiness, not exhaustion.

• Review common question types
• Revisit only the key weak areas
• Reduce workload in the final days

Ultimately, effective NAPLAN preparation is about balance. Rather than focusing on how much practice your child does, aim for steady skill-building using proven approaches such as spaced practice, retrieval practice and regular reading. Consistency and confidence matter far more than volume.

Take the NAPLAN Test Feeling Prepared

If your child likes structure, using our skills-based practice resources in literacy, numeracy, and comprehension can make it easier to keep study sessions at home focused and consistent.

Click here to explore our full range of NAPLAN*-style Workbooks to support your child’s NAPLAN study and help them gain the confidence they need to score an 'Exceeding' mark in the test!