How to help your child prepare for exams
As a parent, you want to do everything you can to help your child succeed in school. However, one of the most important things you can do is help your child prepare for exams.
Exams are necessary for schooling and often act as gateways to future opportunities. However, they can also be very stressful.
Here are some tips to help your child ace their exams
1) Start early
Waiting until the night before an exam to start studying is not ideal. Instead, help your child get ahead by reviewing material a few weeks in advance. This will help them retain information better and feel less overwhelmed come exam time.
2) Make a study timetable.
Sit down with your child and help them make a study plan. This should include when they study, how long, and what material they will cover. Sticking to a schedule will help them stay on track and make the most of their studying time.
It will also help break the work into smaller, more manageable chunks.
3) Create a motivating calm study environment
A calm and quiet environment is key for concentration. Help your child find a spot in the house free from distractions like television and noisy siblings. Their study area should also have good lighting and comfortable seating.
4) Try interesting study techniques.
There are many ways to make studying more fun and effective. Help your child find a method that works for them. Some ideas include:
- Making flashcards
- using manipulatives
- Drawing diagrams
- Writing summaries
- Taking practice quizzes
- Listening to audio recordings
5) Develop Study Techniques for the Child’s Learning Styles and Interests
Some kids learn better by listening, others by seeing, and others by doing. Help your child find study techniques that correspond to their learning style. This will help them absorb information more effectively.
For example, if your child is a visual learner, help them make charts and diagrams to organize information.
If they are a hands-on learner, help them find ways to manipulate material or create models.
6) Monitor their progress
As your child studies, check in with them to see how they are progressing. This will help you identify any areas where they may need more help. It will also help keep them accountable and motivated.
You can also help them set goals for each study session. For example, if they are studying for a math exam, help them develop a goal to master a certain number of concepts each day.
7) Stay calm and collected.
Exams can be stressful, not just for kids but for parents too. It’s important to remain calm and composed during this time. If you are feeling anxious, try to hide it from your child. They will likely pick up on your anxiety and feel even more stressed.
Instead, help them stay positive by reminding them of all the times they have succeeded.
8) Practice makes perfect
One of the best ways to help your child prepare for exams is to encourage them to take practice quizzes. This will help them familiarize themselves with the format and style of questions they can expect on the exam.
You can find practice quizzes online or in textbooks. Once your child has completed a practice quiz, go over the questions and help them understand any concepts they struggled with.
9) Encourage an active learning strategy.
Encourage your child to take an active role in their learning. This means more than just memorizing material. Help them understand concepts and how they can apply them. This will help them retain information better and use it on exams.
You can encourage active learning by having your child:
- explain concepts to you in their own words
- teach a younger sibling or friend
- create study guides or summary sheets
10) Encourage healthy habits
Studying can be taxing on the mind and body. Help your child stay energized by Encouraging them to eat healthy foods and get plenty of exercises. This will help them focus and retain information better.
11) Get plenty of rest
A good night’s sleep is important for concentration and focus. Help your child develop a bedtime routine in the weeks leading up to exams so they can get the rest they need. This should include disconnecting from electronics at least an hour before
EXAM DAY
On exam day, help your child relax by reminding them that they have studied hard and are prepared. A bit of nerves is normal but try to help them stay calm.
You can help your child on exam day by staying calm and providing encouragement. It is important to avoid stress and anxiety, as these can be contagious and lead to poor performance.
You can also help your child prepare for exams by ensuring they are well-rested and have a good breakfast.
Encourage positive self-talk
Positive self-talk can help reduce anxiety and improve performance. So help your child come up with positive affirmations to say to themselves on exam day. For example:
- “I am prepared for this exam.”
- “I can do this.”
- “I will succeed.”
Final Thoughts
As a parent, you play an important role in helping your child prepare for exams. You can help them by monitoring their progress, staying calm and collected, and Encouraging healthy habits. On exam day, help them relax and focus on positive self-talk.
With your help, your child can ace their exams and reach their full potential.
