ELT and Study Tips for Children

HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD

PREPARE FOR A DIFFICULT EXAM

MULTIMEDIA – ENGLISH
August 28, 2022

The word "exam" can send shivers down the spine of even the most seasoned student's back. If your child is having difficulty succeeding in their exams, help is on the way! In this blog post, we'll cover some tips that will assist any student in preparing and passing future exams with flying colors!

Help your child make a study plan for the exam

One of the best ways to help your child prepare for exams is by ensuring they have a study plan in place. This study plan should be designed specifically for them and their learning style. If your child is a visual learner, make sure their study materials are organized in a way that makes sense to them. If they're more an auditory learner, consider recording lectures or notes for them to listen to.
Namely, you can still let your child work on developing the best plan on their own, but still, l be there to support and advise them when needed. The goal is to help them find a system that works best for them so they can feel confident going into the exam.

Encourage your child to take practice exams

One of the best ways to help your child prepare for an upcoming exam is by having them take practice exams. This will not only help them get familiar with the format of the exam, but it will also give them a chance to see what kinds of questions they may be asked.
There are a few different ways you can go about this. You can either purchase practice exams online or from a local bookstore. For instance, you can find 11+ past exam papers that will help your child get accustomed to the format and types of questions they'll be asked on the test. Alternatively, you can create your own practice exam by finding old exams online and printing them out. You can also make up your own questions if you can't find any old exams. Just be sure to base them on the material your child

Flashcards and other memory aids

Another great way to help your child prepare for exams is by using flashcards or other memory aids. This is especially helpful if your child is struggling to remember certain concepts. Flashcards are a great way to help them review key information before the exam.
You can either make your own flashcards or purchase them online. There are also a number of apps that you can download that will allow you to create digital flashcards. The important thing is to find a method that works best for your child and that they're comfortable using.

Help them revise their exam material

Once your child has a study plan in place, and they've gone over the material with you, it's time to start revising. This is where you can help them by going over the material with them again. Pay close attention to areas where they're struggling and offer guidance and support.
It's also important to make sure they're taking breaks during their revision. It can be easy to get overwhelmed when trying to learn a lot of information at once. Help them schedule breaks, so they can relax and recharge.

Healthy snacks are essential

Make sure your child is eating healthy snacks while they're studying. This will help them stay focused and energized. Avoid sugary snacks as they can cause a crash in energy levels. Instead, opt for healthy options like fruits, nuts, or yogurt.

You should also make sure they're staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water. A water bottle by their side will help them remember to drink throughout the day.

Encourage them to take breaks

As mentioned before, it's important for your child to take breaks while they're studying. This will help them avoid burnout and maintain their focus. Encourage them to take a break every 20-30 minutes to get up and move around.
A great way to get them to take breaks is by setting a timer. Once the timer goes off, they know it's time for a break. This can be a great way to help them stay on track when studying and avoid spending too much time studying. Also, be sure to encourage them to take a break on the weekends, so they can relax and recharge.

Studying in short bursts

One of the best ways to help your child focus while they're studying is by having them study in short bursts. This means they should study for a short amount of time and then take a break. The key is to find a balance that works for them. For instance, they may want to study for 20 minutes and then take a five-minute break. Or they may want to study for 30 minutes and then take a ten-minute break. The important thing is that they're taking breaks and not trying to cram everything in at once.

The night before the exam

It's important to make sure your child gets a good night's sleep before the exam. This will help them feel rested and relaxed. Avoid letting them study too late into the night, as this can cause anxiety.
Instead, encourage them to review their material one last time and then get to bed early. A healthy dinner can also help them feel calm and ready for the exam. You will want to avoid foods that are high in sugar, as they can cause a crash in energy levels.

On the day of the exam

On the day of the exam, make sure your child eats a healthy breakfast. This will help them feel alert and ready to tackle the material. Avoid sugary cereals or pastries as they can cause a crash in energy levels. Instead, opt for a healthy snack option like oatmeal or eggs. It's also important to make sure they arrive at the exam location early. This will help them avoid feeling rushed or stressed. Once they're settled in, encourage them to take a few deep breaths and relax. Remind them that you believe in them and that they're going to do great.

Helping your child prepare for a difficult exam can be challenging. However, by following these tips, you can help them feel more prepared and confident. Just remember to be there for them every step of the way and offer support and encouragement. With your help, they're sure to do great!

Adapted from: https://multimedia-english.com/blog/how-to-help-your-child-prepare-for-a-difficult-exam-113. Accessed on September 5, 2022. © Angel Castaño 2008-2022. Salamanca / Poole-free videos to learn real English online. All rights reserved.