Revision times can be one of the most stressful periods for children as they try to ensure that everything that has been taught to them has stuck in their brains and they will be able to put this on to a paper. As a parent, it may be difficult to see your child go through this struggle and you may want to step up and help them.
This article will provide you with easy steps to prepare your child for exams so that this process is easier for both you and your kid.
Ask Them What They Need
Considering that you are trying to help your child, it is only fair that you ask them what type of support they require from you. Everyone’s different, therefore you should not assume that you know what is best for them. Ask your child if they are okay with you getting involved and what you can do to help them. Even if they decline your support, it is good to allow them to have full control over their own revision. In addition to this, their learning style may also vary from yours, so what works for you may not necessarily work for them. Having this conversation with your child will remind them that you are there to support them but that it is always their duty to take full responsibility for their studies.
Create a Timetable
Organization is key when it comes to revision. Your child may require some support with dedicated periods of time to the different subjects. Sit down together and create a timetable for your child so that you know they are dedicating time to every single subject, including the ones they find more difficult. One thing you should remember is that your child may have other responsibilities such as going to school and doing chores around the house, and having access to reliable internet, such as Cox Internet, to support their online learning. They also must have time off to rest. This should be included in their timetable – some children may become overly anxious about their studies leading to burnout and a reduced ability to perform.
Consider The Environment
The environment is crucial for high performance. Evidently, this will depend on your child’s needs so include them in this process. Some people like to work in absolute silence to focus whereas others enjoy listening to music or some sort of background noise. Help your child create the perfect study atmosphere so that they can make the most of it and absolutely focus. If your child likes to work in silence make sure that there are no distractions during their study period and maybe you can create their own study corner in a private area of the house. Some people like to work in groups, so maybe the two of you can combine your study/work time so that your child has some company whilst they try to focus.
Provide Them with the Necessary Equipment and Resources
It can be very difficult to study without the appropriate equipment and resources. As mentioned above, creating the perfect environment is crucial for them to focus so ensure that this includes whatever they need. A desk, a comfortable chair, a desktop, and other technological devices as well as any additional materials. Have them make a list of what they require so that their study sessions do not get interrupted by not having the appropriate equipment. If your child is taking the cognitive abilities test it may be a good idea to consider obtaining the CAT4 Level C practice tests online. You should have online mock tests of most exams to help your child get ready and practice their abilities before the real exams.
Get a Private Tutor
Sometimes it may be difficult for kids to study on their own and even when they try to focus they still feel like they are unable to understand what they are doing. You may also not have the most adequate level of knowledge to actually support them with their subjects. In these cases, it may be worth investing in a private tutor. Although this may be a costly option, it is worth it if it will ensure that your child is supported along the way. Private tutors are able to sit down with your kid and teach them every subject. They have the same knowledge as teachers and have the advantage of being able to spend one to one time with your child. Even if you do not want someone coming into the house, there are plenty of professionals that offer their services virtually so you can access this support from a smart device.
Consider Their Learning Style
Parents that want to support their child with revision may unintentionally want to take over or take full control of what their child is doing by assuming they know what is best for them. The reality is, you may not necessarily fully know this. Everyone has different learning styles and some people may like to sit down and take notes whilst others prefer to listen or be practical. Your child’s learning style must be taken into consideration so you can best support them. If neither of you knows what this is, there are plenty of questionnaires online to find out what the kid’s learning style is and which learning techniques best work for them.
Reward Them
Try to be understanding throughout the revision process and remember to reward your child for their effort. Experts researching human behavior have found that rewarding an individual for a behavior tends to increase their motivation for the behavior. If your child has spent a great amount revising or if you have been able to see great progress from them, make sure to let them know it has been noticed and reward them. Take them out or make their favorite food as this will keep them motivated and encourage them to keep going. You can also let them know beforehand that they will be rewarded for their efforts.
Get Their Mind Off Revision
This is a step many people tend to neglect during revision time. Focusing on the books and learning the topics is crucial but another vital part correlated to high performance is taking time off the studies for a bit. Help your child focus on other activities, ideally something outdoors and physical, to prevent burnout.
As you can see from the information provided on this page, there are plenty of things you can do to help your child get ready for exams. Make sure you follow some of these tips and any others that your child may tell you would help them.