7 tips to prepare children for exams

Exams are an essential part of academic life; from their first year all the way up to university, the stresses and strains of exam revision can be a difficult issue to address. However by following these top tips, you can ensure that your child is as prepared as they can be for that all important exam.

7. Help them create a revision timetable

Whilst you should refrain from creating a revision timetable for your child, you should help them in creating their own; keep in mind that committing to an inordinate amount of time may leave them feeling demotivated. You should also try to break up their revision periods with leisure time and time outside of the home where they can be away from the strains of revising.

6. Be aware of signs of stress of anxiety

Whilst many parents presume that they could easily spot signs of stress or anxiety in their child, many times such emotions present themselves as problematic behavior. Such signs to look out for include:

• Irritability,
• Temperamental behavior,
• Restlessness,
• A disinterest in activities they usually enjoy.

5. Research innovative ways to learn

For a child that is under pressure to learn a large volume of information, they may only be able to see endless sheets of paper, cue cards or similarly traditional methods of learning. However by doing a little research online you may be able to find either dedicated websites to that specific subject, or ideas on learning methods that may be more engaging. Such methods include:

• Recording themselves repeating vital pieces of information to be played back,
• Mind maps,
• Post it notes dotted around the house on every day items,
• Converting written notes into drawn images,
• Video resources.

4. Help them maintain a healthy study routine

During revision, the need for frequent breaks is paramount. Research has shown that the optimum study time is 50 minute slots with 10 minute breaks. Additionally, your child may learn better at certain times of the day. For many, this can be the morning, however some children are more suited to afternoon study, or even early evening. It is essential to identify which of these is most efficient for your child, as forced study at other times can lead to demotivation and inefficient learning.

3. Reassure them that as long as they try their best, there is no ‘bad’ outcome

Whether your child is sitting their S.A.T.s or is about to undertake their final university exam, no child is ever too old for a little reassurance that they need only to try their best.  It is all too easy for a child to succumb to the pressure of exams, as their institution, quite rightly, pushes them to their full abilities. However they shouldn’t feel pushed to achieve something that is beyond their capabilities; by discussing this with them, the reassurance they gain can provide an unexpected confidence boost.

2. Let them know what to expect

Your child’s institution should have thoroughly explained the exam process on more than one occasion, however sometimes, and for all manner of reasons, your child may not be certain as to what to expect. By simply asking your child whether they’re certain about what the exam process entails, you can establish whether they need a little more information from their teacher or tutor.

1. Hire a tutor

For all the will in the world, sometimes your moral support and untrained tutoring won’t be enough. By improving their skills upon the actual subject, your child’s confidence will naturally grow that's why you should take a look here at MyTutorWeb. This can also mean that they feel less anxious about the upcoming exam, which, in itself, will have a positive impact upon their performance.

No one is better placed to do this than a specifically trained tutor, who will not only know the subject matter inside out, but will additionally be experienced with the common concepts that children find difficult.