He’s been used to mini tests or regular holistic assessments – until now. Here’s how to prepare your child for that big paper at the end of the year.
He’s been used to mini tests or regular holistic assessments – until now. Here’s how to prepare your child for that big paper at the end of the year.
Make revision fun
Every child’s learning style – that is, how he understands and organises information – is different. This is why it’s important to make revision as fun and interesting as possible.
Helen Marjan, joint CEO and director of Studies at Lorna Whiston suggests using coloured markers to make the information visually appealing. Strategically placed Post-It notes may also help Junior internalise and remember what he’s learnt.
Other clever ways to help him memorise facts: turn the information into catchy songs or rhymes, or get him to read aloud what he needs to remember, make a voice recording of it, and then ask him to listen to the recording. Adding variety to the revision process by using revision cards, or asking him to explain what he knows to others, is also helpful.
“Don’t just make him sit down with an assessment book,” says Helen. “And, while getting him to practise with past examination papers is fi ne, don’t overdo it. These papers are useful to help familiarise him with the format of the exam.”
Teach him how to navigate the paper
Remind him to read the questions properly and understand what’s being asked of him, before he writes down the answer. When he’s fi nished, explain the importance of checking his answers before submitting the paper.
“Kids don’t like to check their work, so perhaps you can turn it into a game of sorts, to see how many errors he can spot, or something along those lines,” says Helen. Also teach him how to edit his answers, since language accuracy is crucial in an exam and a student can lose marks if the wrong tense is used.
Draw up a revision timetable with him
Getting Junior to revise well before the exam is advisable, so he doesn’t have to do a cram session, says Helen. But don’t impose a study timetable on him; rather, work out a schedule and check that it’s something he can stick to.
“Two solid hours of revision a day are just about right for a young child,” she adds. “But do take a cue from him – he may do better with shorter study times done more frequently.”
And don’t forget to work in study breaks, too. Ten to 15 minutes per hour should do it.
Motivate him and prevent anxiety
Pressuring your kid will only make him feel more anxious, Helen cautions. Instead, he should want to do well for the satisfaction it gives.
So, set realistic goals with him, encourage him to do his best, reassure him that it’s not the end of the world if he doesn’t ace the paper, and avoid comparing him with his classmates or cousins.
