5 Tips for Parents to Help Their Child Prep for Exams

Exams serve as a crucial benchmark to assess whether learning objectives from the beginning of the school year have been achieved—and to what extent. Preparation is essential to ensure students are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to perform well in these assessments.

Navigating these intimidating examinations can be difficult and stressful for students. Often, these high-stakes exams put excessive pressure on students, so it’s crucial to recognize the emotional toll this period may take on them. Parents should strive to create a supportive environment, encouraging both preparedness and emotional well-being.

Below are five tips to help your child prepare for exam season:

Prepare Sooner Rather Than Later

Cramming at the last minute often leads to surface-level learning and a higher likelihood of forgetting important details. To prevent this and make the studying process less daunting, encourage your child to start preparing for exams well ahead of time. Early preparation is a tried-and-true studying technique that results in long-term comprehension because the student is able to develop a deeper understanding of the material.

In addition to having more time to absorb important information, starting the studying process in advance will give your child the opportunity to seek clarification on confusing concepts. This strategy encourages effective time management, allowing your child to study in shorter increments of time with smaller amounts of information.

Starting exam preparation early will make the studying process less pressure-filled and instill a higher level of confidence in your child when it’s time to apply their knowledge.

Provide a Distraction-Free Environment

Students who work in an environment without distractions are able to be more productive and engage more deeply with the material.

To ensure your child's workspace is conducive to studying, remove any possible distractors, such as toys, TV and other electronics. Recognize that each child absorbs information differently, so allow the study space to adapt to their preferences. For example, consider incorporating noise-cancelling headphones or soothing background music based on your child's learning style—the noise level can influence their ability to concentrate.

Having an area where your child is able to focus will greatly improve their information retention and learning outcomes.

Establish a Routine

Creating some structure can be very beneficial to students — especially younger ones — allowing them to feel confident, secure and in control of their environment.

Help your child create a schedule by using a planner and colorful pens or markers. This allows them to visually allocate time for studying and homework, rest, chores and even outdoor time. This will prepare them to get ready and motivated when studying time rolls around. An important element of your child’s routine, especially during periods of exam preparation, is breaks.

If you notice your child showing signs of frustration, such as fidgeting or tense body language, it may be time for a short, five-minute break to restore their focus and motivation.

Consistency in following a well-structured routine can enhance productivity, reduce stress and contribute to a more balanced and fulfilling learning experience that will benefit them.

Break Down Study Material

Organizing the study matter with your child is a collaborative and effective way to promote successful learning. The goal is to lessen the intimidation of study time and help your child focus and absorb information by separating it into digestible pieces.

Take the time to review the overall learning objectives and separate them into manageable sections. Remember to tailor your approach to your child's learning style, whether they are visual, auditory, reading, writing or kinesthetic learners. Encourage your child to take notes, create outlines, use visual aids or incorporate games to enhance comprehension of each section.

By working together to break down study materials, you’ll be supporting your child academically while encouraging valuable study habits and a positive attitude toward learning. This approach enhances academic understanding and fosters a sense of self-confidence and independent learning skills, empowering students to navigate and succeed.

Communicate with Teachers

Effectively having solid contact with teachers is a crucial aspect of ensuring your child's success during exam season. Establishing this from the beginning will provide insights into your child's progress in the classroom, any areas of concern and specific topics they may need to focus on during study sessions. Additionally, teachers can offer guidance, recommend additional resources, or suggest alternative study approaches based on their observations in the classroom.

For example, if your child is struggling with a particular subject, such as math, you may consider extra support by enrolling your child in supplemental education with a math tutor or a program that has a history of setting children on the right path toward academic success.

Staying informed about your child's academic progress and maintaining an open line of communication with their teacher empowers you to offer tailored support that meets their individual needs and provides them with the tools they need to succeed on exams.

By implementing these strategies, parents can play a crucial role in enhancing academic performance and nurturing positive attitudes toward learning - ultimately contributing to their child's success during exams. Good luck!

Author:

John Bianchette, Vice President of Education and Training of Mathnasium – responsible for developing the curriculum of mathematics that is being taught across the globe in over 1,100 learning centers.