Two weeks time – the countdown is real, and happening really quickly. Yes, as though the Primary Six students are not aware, but we are two weeks away from the start of the Primary School Leaving Examinations! We are sure all students are busy preparing for the upcoming exams. But, academic preparation is not the only factor that determines a student’s performance in the exam. Most students fail to score well in the oral exams not because they did not prepare enough, but because they may not be emotionally or mentally prepared for the examination. We need to bear in mind that along with academic preparation, mental and physical preparations are also important in cracking the exam!
So, how can you help?
1. Help them manage stress
Stress and anxiety are the biggest reasons most students falter during exams. Even if they studied everything, they might become anxious and forget what to say during the exam.
Tips for managing stress:
- Realistic expectations
Do not put stress on them and ask them to achieve things that are out of their limit. To do this, try to understand your children and what their capabilities are. Don’t compare them with others or even your younger self. Have a conversation with them. Ask them about their dreams and expectations. Let them follow their hearts, but offer advice if you think it is required.
If you think they are aiming too high, don’t discourage them. Let your children know that they have your support, but make sure they are prepared for failure too.
- Remind them to breathe
It might seem silly, but it is a vital tip. Stress and anxiety can be controlled by breathing. When your children feel anxious and stressed, ask them to concentrate on their breath as it can help reduce their heartbeats and calm them down.
A breathing exercise to try:
- First, breathe out for 4 seconds and empty your lungs.
- Hold your breath for 4 seconds.
- Then inhale for 4 seconds.
- Hold the air in your lungs for 4 seconds.
- Exhale and repeat the steps 4-5 times
It will calm them down fast and can help them stay focused and not end up having anxiety attacks.
- Eat well, and don’t lose sleep
Lack of sleep and not having enough food can add to your child’s stress and anxiety. It is common for students to lose sleep during exam times and forget to eat their meals. Their brains require these two things over everything else. So, make sure they are well fed and stick to a proper sleep schedule.
- Meditation and Exercise
Meditating and exercising can help reduce stress. Meditating can have a calming effect on your children’s minds, and physical exercise will make sure they are healthy and improve oxygen circulation in the body.
- Prepare a stress-free environment for them
Make sure you don’t add to their worries. Engage in fun family activities and spend time with them. Assign them study areas where they won’t be interrupted or disturbed.
Having a stress-relieving activity is a good thing. Help your children identify what helps take their minds off things and relax. You can try our cooking, painting, video games, crafting, dancing or anything they like to do. Allow them to engage in it when they feel the need to do so. It can help them destress and stay healthy.
2. Friends and playtime
Just because it’s exam time, don’t cut off their contacts and time with friends. Let them spend time and play together. If you’re worried about wasting time, you can talk to them and their friends about forming study groups and preparing together. That way, they can spend time together and also study for the exam. The company can be a motivating factor, and also, they will be able to help each other prepare well.
3. Practice, practice and…… practice
Nothing can beat “practice”. Help your children practice for the examination. Make sure they practice enough that the thought of the exam doesn’t scare them anymore. If they feel like they know what they are doing and have learned everything needed for the exam, it will boost their confidence.
- Help them make a daily routine and stick to it.
- Have daily discussions and debates with them on different topics.
- Record them practising and help them review and rectify any mistakes.
- Hold mock tests for them.
- Ask them to close their eyes and visualise the day of the exam and them performing well. It can create a sense of familiarity and decrease anxiety. Visualisation techniques are proven to be effective.
- Correct their body language and help improve their posture. A good posture will help your children be confident, and it can also impress the examiners.
- Ask them to read up on different topics well and present them before you. It can help them in better structuring and voicing their thoughts. Doing so will make sure that they don’t stray away from the topic.
4. Prepare required items in advance
Prepare your uniform and the items required at least two days before the exam. Make sure you have backup pairs too. Missing items on exam day or finding out that the dress has a stain can make them tense and ruin their whole preparation. Be prepared in advance and be worry-free on the exam day.
Note for students-
On the day of the exam, try to arrive a little early in the hall. Sit down somewhere and practice your breathing technique a few times. Tell yourself that you will do well. Believe in yourself, and you will surely perform well! 🙂
Exam Smart Tips
Exam Smart Tip #1 – How to Encourage Our Kids to Speak Better?
Exam Smart Tip #2 – How to avoid carelessness?
Exam Smart Tip #3 – Establishing Routines!
Exam Smart Tip #4 – Let’s Read Carefully!
Exam Smart Tip #5 – Beating the Exam Fever!
Exam Smart Tip #6 – How to Eat Right for the Exams?
Exam Smart Tip #7 – How to Avoid a Meltdown?
Exam Smart Tip #8 – Taking Stress out of Tests
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