10 May How To Help Children Prepare For Exams
How To Help Children Prepare For Exams
Exam Season
Did you know that 40% of students experience exam anxiety?
Navigating exam pressure can be challenging, especially for children who are still trying to understand emotions and feelings.
It’s important that as parents, carers, or teachers we are there to support children through the exam season. Whether this be for SATs, GCSEs, or A-levels.
With the exam season beginning we’re here to discuss how you can help children prepare for exams with our 5 R’s method.
Revision
We must encourage children to revise.
Revision will help children prepare for the form of questions that will appear on their exams.
However, when revising it’s important that children take regular breaks in between to help their concentration and reduce their stress levels.
We need to encourage children to take regular breaks from revision to do the things they enjoy, like riding their bike or going out with their friends.
Additionally, with revision it’s beneficial to ask a child if they need help.
Do they need help making a revision plan?
Do they want to be questioned on a section they’ve just revised?
Work together to find methods that support them with their revision.
Routine
Ensure your child has a good routine.
This R applies more to our parents and carers.
When it comes to their eating habits, make sure your child has a ‘healthy’ and balanced diet (avoiding sugary sweets and drinks that might keep them awake).
And encourage your child to get at least 9-12 hours (for 6–12-year-olds) or 8-10 hours sleep (for 13–18-year-olds).
A good routine is crucial to keeping a child mentally and physically well during exam season (and in general too).
Relaxation Techniques
It’s important to work together with children on this R.
As we discussed at the beginning, 40% of students experience exam anxiety, so it’s important for us to help children practice relaxation techniques to keep them calm before and during an exam.
Try practising breathing techniques or encourage your child or student to count slowly to 10 when they feel anxious or stressed.
Rewards
If you’ve ever received a raise at work, you’ll understand the fulfilment and joy that comes with receiving a reward for working hard.
One way you can help children prepare for exams is by offering them small rewards for getting through each exam.
Or by planning an end-of-exams treat with them to keep them motivated.
These rewards don’t need to be big, but it will help a child work towards a goal if they don’t already have one.
And a small reward can help make any child feel happy.
Reassurance
I’d say this is the most important R.
If you can’t manage the others, focus on this one.
Reassure your child and students. Ensure they understand that everything will be okay, no matter how they perform on their exam.
Remember, despite hours of revision or a good night’s sleep, some children may struggle to perform well in an exam.
But that doesn’t mean they’re not trying.
It’s important to reassure children that you will be proud of them no matter what happens.
Through consistently reassuring our children and students, you will help take the pressure off them.
The 5 R’s
So, now you know the 5 R’s, use them to help children prepare for exams.
Be supportive and work together to help decrease that 40%.
And remember, exams and exam results don’t define children.
Just look at Simon Cowell..
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