Exams can be a challenging time for students, but with the right support and strategies, parents can play a vital role in helping their children succeed. This guide offers practical tips to help your child feel prepared, confident, and stress-free during exam season.
Create a Supportive Environment A calm and organised environment is essential for effective study. Ensure your child has a quiet, comfortable place to study, free from distractions such as TV, loud music, or interruptions. Encourage a consistent study schedule and minimize unnecessary disruptions. Providing basic supplies like pens, paper, and highlighters can also make a difference in their organisation. Encourage your child to take regular breaks. Balance is important. Research shows that studying in intervals, such as using the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focused study followed by a 5-minute break), boosts productivity and helps retain information. The mind is like any other muscle if it is overworked it becomes tired and cannot perform effectively. It is important to maintain balance and allow time for relaxation as well as study. Teach Time Management Time management is a crucial skill for exam preparation. Work with your child to create a realistic study timetable that balances revision with leisure time. Help them prioritise subjects or topics they find more challenging and allocate extra time for these areas. Setting daily or weekly goals can help keep them on track and motivated. During exams, remind your child to allocate time for each section of their exam paper based on the marks assigned. Practicing timed exams at home can help them develop confidence and improve their ability to manage time effectively. Encourage Healthy Habits Good health is essential for peak performance. Ensure your child is getting enough sleep, as lack of rest can affect concentration and memory. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night (preferable 8-10 hours), especially before an exam day. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and proteins can help maintain energy levels and improve focus. Encourage your child to stay hydrated and avoid excessive caffeine (tea drinks) or sugary snacks, which can cause energy crashes. Light physical activity, such as a short walk or yoga, can also reduce stress and refresh the mind. Help Manage Stress Exam stress is common but manageable. Teach your child relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visualisation exercises to stay calm. You can also try grounding exercises, like identifying five things they can see, four they can touch, three they can hear, two they can smell, and one they can taste. Positive reinforcement can go a long way. Celebrate small milestones, such as completing a revision topic or finishing a practice test, to build their confidence. Avoid adding pressure or comparing them to others, which can increase anxiety. Be Involved Show your child that you’re invested in their success. Offer to quiz them on key topics or proofread their revision notes. If they’re feeling overwhelmed, listen to their concerns and provide reassurance. Remind them that effort matters more than perfection. If your child is struggling, consider seeking help from teachers or tutors who can provide additional guidance. Exam Day Tips On the day of the exam, help your child stay calm and focused. Ensure they pack all necessary materials the night before, such as pens, pencils, a calculator. Encourage them to eat a nutritious breakfast to fuel their brain. Remind them to read instructions carefully during the exam, allocate time for each question, and review their answers if time allows. Most importantly, reassure them that you’re proud of their efforts regardless of the outcome. Final Thoughts Exams are an opportunity for growth and learning. By fostering a supportive environment, encouraging healthy habits, and helping your child develop effective study techniques, you can make a significant difference in their academic journey. Remember, your encouragement and understanding are invaluable in helping your child succeed. By Christopher Hoddinott
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About meI am the Secondary School Principal at the Canadian International School Kunshan in China. I have over 12 years of IB teaching experience and working on bringing great learning experiences and opportunities to students. Archives
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