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66% of children feel stressed about homework and exams. As parents and teachers, your role in helping children prepare for exams is crucial in reducing anxiety, building self-esteem, and ensuring academic success. In this blog post, we’ll explore practical ways to support children with exams, from managing stress to creating effective study habits.
Why Supporting Children with Exams is Important
Exams are a significant milestone in a child's academic journey. While they can feel overwhelming, they also provide an opportunity for children to demonstrate what they’ve learned. However, the pressure of performing well can trigger anxiety, disrupt concentration, and hinder their ability to recall information.
Effective support during exam periods not only helps children manage their stress but also encourages positive study habits and self-discipline that can benefit them in the long term.
How to Support Children with Exams
Create an organised Study Environment
A quiet, comfortable study space is essential for productive revision. Ensure the child has a dedicated area free from distractions like television, social media, or noisy siblings. The space should be well-lit, comfortable, and equipped with everything they need, such as textbooks, stationery, and a desk.
Pro Tip: Encourage your child to keep their study area tidy and organised. A cluttered space can lead to feelings of stress and overwhelm.
Help Them Create a Study Schedule
A structured revision plan is key to staying on track and avoiding last-minute cramming. Work with your child to break down their study material into manageable chunks and allocate specific times for each subject. A visual timetable or calendar can be very helpful for keeping track of deadlines and ensuring they cover all topics.
Pro Tip: Encourage them to stick to the schedule but remain flexible. If they find a topic particularly challenging, it’s okay to adjust the timetable to allow for more time on that subject.
Encourage Regular Breaks
Studying for long periods without breaks can lead to burnout and reduced concentration. Encourage your child to take short breaks every 25-30 minutes of studying. A five to ten-minute break allows them to recharge and return to their work with a clearer mind.
Promote Healthy Sleep Habits
Sleep is critical for memory consolidation and cognitive function. Ensure your child gets enough sleep, especially in the days leading up to their exams. Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep per night, and encourage a relaxing bedtime routine to promote better sleep quality.
Pro Tip: Limit screen time (phones, tablets, or computers) at least an hour before bedtime, as the blue light can interfere with their ability to fall asleep.
Provide Emotional Support and Reassurance
Exam stress can take an emotional toll on children, leading to anxiety, irritability, or feelings of self-doubt. Offer emotional support by acknowledging their feelings and reassuring them that exams are just one part of their learning journey. Avoid adding to the pressure by stressing the importance of getting high marks.
Pro Tip: Encourage a positive mindset by focusing on effort rather than perfection. Remind them that it’s okay to make mistakes, and that exams are an opportunity to show what they know.
Teach Stress-Relief Techniques
Stress management is key during exam periods. Teach your child simple relaxation techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and meditation. Practicing these techniques regularly can help them stay calm and focused, even in stressful situations.
Pro Tip: Create a "calm-down" routine that your child can use when they feel overwhelmed, such as taking five deep breaths or visualizing a peaceful place.
Help Them Stay Active
Physical activity is a great way to reduce stress, boost mood, and improve focus. Encourage your child to engage in regular exercise, whether it’s walking, cycling, swimming, or playing a sport. Exercise increases the flow of oxygen to the brain, which can enhance cognitive function.
Pro Tip: Suggest short, fun activities like a walk in the park or a quick workout session that they can easily fit into their study schedule.
Review Key Concepts Together
Sometimes, children benefit from having someone to go over key concepts with them. Offer to review material with your child, especially in subjects they find challenging. Active recall and discussing topics out loud can help solidify their understanding and improve retention.
Pro Tip: Use flashcards, quizzes, or practice questions to test their knowledge and highlight areas that need more attention.
Stay Positive and Celebrate Progress
Throughout the exam preparation process, keep your focus on the positive. Praise your child for the effort they’re putting into their studies, rather than the outcome. Celebrate milestones such as completing a study session or mastering a difficult topic. Positive reinforcement can boost confidence and reduce anxiety.
Pro Tip: After exams, no matter the result, celebrate your child’s hard work and remind them that their best effort is all that matters.
How to Support Children with Exam Anxiety
In addition to practical study support, it’s important to help children manage exam anxiety. Here are some ways to ease their worries:
Normalise anxiety: Explain that feeling anxious before exams is completely normal and can be a sign that they care about doing well.
Practice relaxation: As mentioned earlier, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation can help calm nerves before an exam.
Encourage a positive perspective: Remind your child that exams are not the end-all and that they have many opportunities to succeed in life, regardless of the outcome.
Avoid over-pressuring: Let your child know that their worth isn’t defined by their grades. Offer reassurance that trying their best is what matters most.
Conclusion
Supporting children with exams is about more than just helping them revise— it's about providing emotional support, creating a balanced routine, and teaching them healthy stress-management techniques. By offering encouragement, structure, and practical tips, you can help reduce their anxiety, improve their performance, and foster positive study habits that will benefit them throughout their academic journey.
If you want to work with a company that cares, contact our education team by either calling01772 208 952or email us ateducation@servicecare.org.uk. Alternatively, submit a vacancy using the link below!
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