It’s that time of year again; exams are nearly upon us and for many young people it can be a very stressful period.
How can we support our young people through this difficult time and ensure they approach each exam fully prepared and confident they can succeed? • Get the basics right – Know when their exams are. Secondary schools provide exam timetables to download from their websites. Have a big version where you can all see it and highlight your child’s schedule. You can then plan your approach effectively in a team effort.
• Devise a cunning plan – Ensure your child has a set plan for when they will revise certain topics, for how long and using what media. If you can, build in breaks and other stimuli as rewards.
• How do you revise? – This is very much up to your child’s learning style, but bear this in mind; we remember only 20 per cent of what we read, but 90 per cent of what we see, hear, say and do. If they are seeing it, hearing it, speaking about it and doing it, they will remember it more effectively. Good methods include flash cards, mind mapping and revision games.
• Manage their distractions – Our children have so many digital distractions from Facebook, twitter and Instagram to Youtube, gaming and snapchat. Sit down with your child and build ‘device time’ and going out with friends into their break and reward periods.
• Sleep – Teenagers need at least eight hours’ sleep. They must build in time to relax before bed.
• Stay focused – Help your child to ignore negative peer pressure. Classmates might have them believe they are doing more/less revision than them. Encourage them to be single minded about their future goals.
• On the day – Ensure they get a good breakfast, they are well equipped and they are as relaxed as they can be. Use positive language and tell them you are proud of them.
• If all else fails, hug it out! – This is an emotional time for our young people. Some simple reassurance, a favourite meal, or just a hug can help.