Steps parents can take with their kids to prepare for upcoming exams

Exams are around the corner and with only a few weeks left to revise, it’s essential to use this time to help your child make the most of their study time.

One of the best ways to prepare for upcoming exams is to note and reflect on errors you’ve made on previous exams. This is especially useful if you have already had past exams in the same subject or with the same teacher in a previous exam. However, it is a helpful process even when you are looking at exams from other subjects.

As you prepare for your exam(s), do the following:

1.       Practice makes perfect

As cliché as it may sound, but practicing for upcoming exams by doing past papers of that subject is highly recommended. Past papers should be readily available at your child’s school and online. Tell your child not to be shy to ask their adviser or tutor for extra test papers and revision notes.

2.       Stay refreshed

Eating well and staying hydrated makes the studying process easier. This is where you really can help as a parent, by providing regular, nutritious meals and snacks. It’s important to take breaks with exercise or non-electronic activities, as well as sleep. Getting a full or at least eight hours of sleep every night gives the brain sufficient rest to take in new information every day.

3.       Stay organised

Make sure your child has a dedicated study space and that it is kept organised, neat and clean. Keep study materials in a central spot so that everything is on hand during revision. This will go a long way towards reducing anxiety and stress.

4.       Make use of illustrations/visuals

Encourage your child to use colour, mind maps, images, and even music when going over work. A visual representation of information makes it easier to remember.

5.       Explain

Answer questions or tell your friends or family members about your work. Only once you have tried to explain what you know will you be able to tell whether you know enough to answer the questions.

6.       Social media isn't that bad

Social media can be a very useful tool when studying but only if used correctly. It can be used as a tool to put together study groups or ask peers study-related questions. However, it's also vital to monitor how much time your child spends on their phone.