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Dr. Arti Verma
- December 10, 2025
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How to Help Your Child Get Good Year 5 NAPLAN Scores:
A Research-Based Parent Guide
What Year 5 NAPLAN Really Assesses: Core Skills and Expectations
When you set out to help your child achieve a good Year 5 NAPLAN result, it helps to be clear about exactly what the test measures. The NAPLAN for Year 5 evaluates four major domains: reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar, punctuation), and numeracy.
In numeracy, the proficiency levels defined by NAPLAN show a clear progression: at a “Developing” level, a child should be able to compare and order numbers up to 10 000, understand basic fractions, use simple metric measurement, identify shapes and symmetry, interpret clocks and calendars, and solve simple number-sentence problems.
At a “Strong” level (which is what many parents and schools target), the expectations go beyond the basics: working comfortably with numbers beyond 10,000, handling decimals and fractions, solving multi-step problems, working with measurement, area, volume, interpreting 3D shapes and maps, classifying angles, and being able to reason through more complex word problems.
For literacy, the reading section includes a variety of text types: narrative, informative, persuasive, and sometimes visual or data-based texts (charts or infographics). The test examines comprehension skills, ability to infer, to summarise, to interpret meaning, and to handle different writing styles.
Understanding this detailed breakdown helps you know what to focus on when supporting your child — not vague “study-hard” advice, but targeted development of skills that map directly to NAPLAN.
Literacy Foundations That Correlate with Strong NAPLAN Results
Research into primary-school literacy suggests that certain foundational skills and habits strongly correlate with later reading comprehension and writing ability. For children around Year 5 age (roughly 10–11 years), the development of reading strategy use, vocabulary, working memory, and reading motivation is especially significant.
One useful insight comes from a 2024 study that compared digital “gamified” literacy interventions with traditional pen-and-paper methods for 8–11-year-olds. The gamified methods showed statistically significant improvements in reading and writing skills over standard instruction, likely because they increased motivation and engaged working memory more effectively than passive reading.
Moreover, literacy is not just about decoding words. Higher-order comprehension, understanding the structure of texts, making inferences, interpreting meaning, and synthesising information, is what tests like reading and writing on NAPLAN actually measure. Effective reading-strategy instruction in primary school (for example, explicit teaching of summarising, predicting, clarifying and questioning while reading) has been shown to improve reading comprehension.
What this means for you is that if you want your child to get good Year 5 NAPLAN scores, daily reading alone may not be enough. Encouraging deep reading strategies, building vocabulary actively, and creating a habit of reflecting on content will likely have more impact on performance than just “more reading.”
Numeracy Foundations That Underpin High Numeracy Scores
Mathematics for Year 5 in NAPLAN is not just about quick arithmetic. The “Strong” level expectations demand reasoning, multi-step problem solving, flexible thinking about numbers, measurement, geometry, fractions and decimals, data interpretation, and spatial understanding.
Research also points to a strong link between working memory (especially visuospatial and verbal working memory) and performance in both reading and mathematics. A large 2022 study found that different components of working memory contribute uniquely to reading and math performance in children; children with better working memory capabilities tend to perform better in both domains.
This suggests that to improve numeracy skills, it helps to train not only procedure and calculation but also reasoning, spatial thinking, and memory capacity. Conventional drills are useful, but coupling them with tasks that challenge working memory, such as mental arithmetic, visual-spatial puzzles, map reading, or multi-step story problems, may boost overall numeracy outcomes more effectively.
Additionally, research on integrating reading strategies with math instruction indicates that combining language skills with math tasks helps significantly improve problem-solving capabilities. One 2024 study found that students who received integrated reading-strategy training plus working-memory exercises did better in basic math and arithmetic problem solving compared with control students.
In short, to help secure strong numeracy scores for Year 5 NAPLAN, nurture both mechanical skills (calculations, basic geometry) and cognitive skills (working memory, reasoning, reading comprehension in word problems).
Evidence-Based Strategies to Boost Literacy and Numeracy
Based on educational research and NAPLAN domain breakdowns, here are some effective, evidence-backed strategies you can apply at home.
Focus on reading strategy instruction, not just reading volume
Encourage your child to read with purpose. After reading a passage, ask them to summarise what they read in their own words, to make predictions about what might happen next, or to ask questions about the text. Studies show that explicit teaching of reading strategies (predicting, questioning, summarising, clarifying) improves comprehension more than unguided reading.
When they read information or persuasive texts, encourage them to recognise structure: introduction, argument, evidence, conclusion, and to understand why authors use certain words or punctuation. This builds a deeper understanding that pays off when they face unfamiliar text types in NAPLAN reading.
Use gamified or varied literacy practices periodically
Traditional silent reading or worksheets have value. But introducing variety, such as interactive reading games, comprehension quizzes, read-aloud sessions, group reading, and vocabulary games can enhance motivation and engage working memory. Research on gamified literacy interventions showed notable gains in reading and writing among 8–11-year-olds.t
Variety also reduces monotony and helps maintain interest, especially important if you are supporting your child over weeks or months.
Integrate reading and numeracy tasks
Because many numeracy problems in NAPLAN are word problems or involve data interpretation, integrating reading and numeracy practice can have a double benefit. For example, you could give your child a short informative passage with data/charts and then ask related math questions.
One study found that teaching reading strategies and working memory alongside arithmetic and word-problem tasks improved math performance more than traditional maths-only instruction.
Work on working-memory strengthening tasks
Working memory plays a strong role in both reading comprehension and mathematical reasoning.
Simple memory-boosting tasks suitable for your child’s age include:
Mental arithmetic (without paper)
Remembering and repeating sequences of numbers or words
Short memory games (cards, matching games, patterns)
Visual-spatial tasks (maps, simple geometry puzzles, spatial reasoning games)
These help build the cognitive capacity needed to hold information in mind while reading complicated passages or solving multi-step math problems.
Use regular low-stakes formative practice rather than cramming
Research and commentary on preparing for assessment like NAPLAN emphasise that foundational skills, literacy and numeracy cannot be “crammed” for. They must be developed over time.
This means daily or regular short sessions, mixed practice, and gradual growth. Intensive short-term studying before the exam may create stress and give limited returns.
How Combined Reading–Math Training Improves Performance
An interesting trend in recent educational research is the benefit of integrated training — combining reading strategies, working-memory exercises, and mathematics instruction — rather than treating literacy and numeracy as separate silos.
A 2024 study found that this integrated approach significantly improved basic math skills and problem-solving performance compared with traditional separate instruction.
This makes sense when you consider that many numeracy tasks in Year 5 NAPLAN are not pure arithmetic. They involve reading comprehension, interpreting word problems, understanding measurements or charts, and reasoning. If a child’s reading-comprehension skills and working memory are already being developed, they are better positioned to tackle numeracy questions that include reading or reasoning components.
Thus, when you help your child prepare, consider blending reading and numeracy — for example, ask them to read a short passage with data or a story, then pose related math questions; or include tasks that require both reading comprehension and numerical reasoning.
This holistic approach often enhances performance more effectively than focusing on reading on some days and math on others.
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Creating a Balanced, Sustainable Preparation Plan
Having understood what NAPLAN measures and what research recommends, you can build a realistic preparation plan for your child. The aim is not short-term cramming but long-term growth.
Here is a sample weekly framework you can adapt:
| Day / Session | Activity Focus |
|---|---|
| 2–3 sessions per week (15-20 min) | Deep reading practice: reading with summarising, questioning, and discussion. Alternate between narrative and information/persuasive texts. |
| 2 sessions per week (15-20 min) | Numeracy practice: alternating basic arithmetic with reasoning, fractions/decimals, and measurement tasks. Include at least one word problem or real-life maths question. |
| 1 session per week (10–15 min) | Integrated reading-math task: read a short text (informative or data-based), then solve related maths questions. |
| Twice per week (5–10 min) | Working memory or mental maths games: memory games, mental arithmetic, spatial puzzles, pattern recognition games. |
| Once per month | Mock NAPLAN-style practice test: timed but low-stakes; read through test format and sample questions to build familiarity. |
| Ongoing | Vocabulary building & language conventions practice: focus on spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure, to support both writing and reading comprehension. |
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Key Principles for Your Plan
1. Consistency matters more than long sessions
2. Balance literacy and numeracy evenly
3. Include a variety of different text types, different maths topics, and different activities
4. Focus on skill building, not just test practice
5. Keep stress low, treat practice as part of normal growth, not exam pressure
6. Encourage reflection — ask your child what they found easy or tough, what strategies they used, and what they would do differently
This balanced plan aligns with evidence-based practices shown to improve both literacy and numeracy performance over time.
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Conclusion
Helping your child achieve good Year 5 NAPLAN scores, especially in a high-stakes testing environment, need not be stressful or overwhelming. By focusing on research-backed foundations, you can provide meaningful support that builds real skills rather than temporary exam readiness.
Understanding exactly what NAPLAN tests and which skills matter most at the Year 5 level allows you to target reading comprehension, reasoning, working memory, and numeracy in a structured and balanced way.
By blending reading and numeracy training, using working-memory boosting exercises, and practising regularly with variety, you create a sustainable environment for improvement.
You also avoid the trap of cramming. Instead, you develop confidence, understanding, and long-term learning habits.
Ultimately, a “good” Year 5 NAPLAN result becomes more than a number — it becomes a reflection of genuine literacy and numeracy growth, built under your care and consistent support.
Ready to get started?
Experience a full week of
NAPLAN tutoring at no cost.
Resources Used
Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA)
https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan
Research on strategies to improve literacy and numeracy
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/396682150_Strategies_to_Improve_Literacy_and_Numeracy_Based_on_Computer-Based_National_Assessment_Indicators
Study on gamified literacy improving reading and writing
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212868924000011
Integrated reading and working memory training study
https://www.athensjournals.gr/education/2024-11-1-1-Hamidi.pdf
Working memory and learning performance in mathematics and reading
https://arxiv.org/abs/2201.00164
Evidence-based literacy and numeracy improvement methods
https://www.icasassessments.com/blog/5-ways-to-improve-literacy-and-numeracy-at-your-school
Year 5 learning support article
https://www.funfoxprogram.com.au/blog/grade-five-naplan-preparation-guide
Helpful Links for Parents
NAPLAN test format and sample items
https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/whats-in-the-tests
NAPLAN public past papers for reference
https://www.acara.edu.au/assessment/naplan/naplan-2012-2016-test-papers
Practical NAPLAN guidance and practice resources
https://www.clueylearning.com.au/naplan-practice-tests-past-papers
