When is the exam? What is being tested? Is it multiple choice? Are there essays? Will the child have to show their work? How long is the exam? What supplies will they need (pencils, calculators, etc. )? Does the test accommodate certain learning differences?
How has my child been doing on their practice exams in class? How can I, as a parent, help my child? How long should my child be studying for this exam? What happens if my child does not pass?
If your child is not taking a standardized test, a practice exam may not be available. Instead, consult their notes and textbooks to see what type of information might be on the exam. You can test them from this material. Some teachers provide a review guide before exams. You can use this to help your child study. [3] X Expert Source Sean Alexander, MSAcademic Tutor Expert Interview. 14 May 2020.
Organize a timetable for the period running up to exams. Mark when your child will study on each day. By encouraging a consistent schedule, they will form a healthy studying habit. If you are having difficulty filling an hour with studying, you might organize your sessions by task. For example, you might ask them to finish twenty math problems or write one essay. These tasks may take different lengths of time, but they will still help your child prepare.
Good places to study include the child’s bedroom or the kitchen. While the child is studying, minimize noise in your home. Keep the television volume low, and do not hold loud conversations. If you do not have a quiet place for your child to study, you might take them to a public library where they can do their work in peace.
Create a sheet of math formulas that they need to know. Have them memorize the formulas. Encourage them to write these formulas down in the margins of the test as soon as they receive it. Teach your child to go through reading passages and circle important details, such as the main character, purpose, and tone. Flash cards work well for learning vocabulary, science facts, and historical dates. [6] X Research source
If you have a practice exam, give it to them a few days before the examination. Time them for the same length of time that they will be given on the test. If they are given breaks between sessions, give them the same type of break.
If your child answers that they are worried about the exam, do not dismiss their feelings. Instead, ask them more questions, such as “What part of the exam are you most worried about?” or “Is there any particular reason why you’re so worried?” Reassure your child that the result does not matter as long as they tried their hardest. You can say, “It is natural to feel worried or anxious. What matters about the test is that you tried your best. If you don’t pass, everything will still be ok. " Your child might express some physical feelings of discomfort, such as nausea, butterflies in the stomach, sweating, or insomnia. During these episodes, support the child until they have calmed down. You might want to give them a break to let them think about something other than their exam.
You can say, “While it’s true the exam is important, it’s not the most important thing. No matter how you do on it, you’re still a wonderful, talented person. Remember that it does not define how smart you are or what a good person you are. ”
When you do talk about the exam, be positive. Instead of warning your child about failing or what might happen if they don’t pass, assure them that they can pass. For example, instead of saying, “If you don’t study hard, you’ll fail this test and repeat the grade,” say, “It’s good to study so that you can do your best on the exam. You will feel so much better about taking the exam if you’re prepared. ”
Take deep breaths. They may even want to count five deep inhalations and exhalations. Squeeze a stress ball. If they are allowed, send the ball into the exam with them. [8] X Trustworthy Source Child Mind Institute Nonprofit organization providing evidence-based care for children with mental health and learning disorders and their families Go to source Smile. Smiling can help relax the body even when you aren’t feeling happy. [9] X Trustworthy Source Association for Psychological Science Nonprofit organization devoted promoting trustworthy research and education in the psychological sciences Go to source Think positive thoughts. Give them a mantra, such as “You can do this” or “You’re awesome. You will ace this test,” that they can think as they take the test. Stretch during breaks. [10] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source
Eggs Whole grain cereals or oatmeal Chia or flaxseed Smoked salmon lox[11] X Research source
Pencils Erasers Calculator Ruler Comfortable sweater
