Tests and exams can be very stressful. It could be the first time your child has been under this kind of pressure and you want to support them in every way you can. This means not only making sure they are engaged and happy at school, but also that they feel comfortable and supported while studying and preparing at home. To help your child study for a test, use one or more of the top tips below.
4 ways to help your child study better:
Encourage studious habits
Learning new information requires sustained effort and a solid routine. The key here is consistency in study habits at home and at school.
Make sure your child has a set time and place to do their homework or study each day. Make the space as comfortable, quiet, and well-lit for your girl or boy as possible.
Perhaps most importantly, try to be available to help interpret instructions and provide support to the youngster whenever necessary.
When preparing for upcoming exams, it is important that your child review their day at school and what they have learned, even if there is no set homework. Doing so will help maintain the evening study routine, as well as build good listening habits.
Moreover, good sleep and a nutritious diet will ensure that your child maintains focus and fully engages in their studies.
Use extra resources
We all tend to have some strengths and some weaknesses. If your child is struggling in a particular area, it can be helpful to seek out extra resources to provide support. A paper writing service, for example, can be helpful.
If your child is a prolific reader but isn’t so engaged in math, an online math tutor app can give them a little bit of extra focus and assistance in the subject they don’t love so much. Having this extra time and space to focus on a tough subject may be all they need to find their footing and get up to speed.
Build their confidence
Exam success isn’t all about studying or preparation. Another key component is confidence.
Unfortunately, many parents neglect this important part to keep a child’s confidence high as the test approaches. So, it’s time to inspire confidence!
Performance anxiety can considerably affect your child’s ability to perform on the big day. It’s, therefore, crucial to building confidence in their own abilities, let them know when they are doing well, and reassure them that these exams really aren’t everything.
Be the supportive voice, offering encouragement as they work on their homework and tests. Make yourself available to answer questions or search for answers with them.
You can also instill confidence by giving them space and time to do their work. All the while, show your daughter or son that their study time is important and they have a say in how they learn.
Communicate with teachers
Your child’s teacher will be more than happy to speak with you about your child’s progress if you approach them about a meeting. At this appointment, ask the instructor for information on the syllabus and upcoming exams.
Also, ask them the areas where your kid could use improvement. The teacher will likely have valuable insights to share to help improve the situation.
In other words, don’t be afraid to get in touch with questions and to build a good relationship with your child’s teacher. They can advise you on good study tips and fun ways to learn, which your child will already be familiar with from school.
Final words on ways to help your child study effectively
And there we have it! We all remember doing tests at school and the stress that can build up as the all-important day draws near.
Being a pro-active, supportive parent can make all the difference, not only to your child’s success on the test itself but also to their happiness and confidence going into the room.
What are some other ways to encourage your kids leading up to exam day?
Thanks for sharing these great tips, Christy
You are right on the money here Christy! I think children succeed best when parents are involved. If that means being the “bad guy ” and enforcing rules about homework before play or social media, so be it. The results speak for themselves.
And fast forward many years to when the grown-up kids then realize the good that came from that homework time :)
Offering some type of incentive I think helps to encourage kids that need a little extra motivation, because they will be more willing to possibly hold themselves accountable to do what they need to be prepared to get it.
Rewards are good in moderation :) Thanks for the extra tip!
You’re welcome..
Yeah, Christie, for this list! As an old retired teacher, I’m especially happy about the comments under the build confidence heading. Tell your student/child that while you want them to always do their best, one test is not going to change how you feel about them. I’m all about their mental health, and sometimes schools/teachers/parents can put an inordinate amount of pressure on a child. We don’t want children to think academic success is tied to their self-worth.
It’s about more than the grades, as you say, Pete. Your students were certainly lucky to have you – and I know you feel the same way about them after reading your blog :)