The Standard (Zimbabwe)

How to help your child prepare for exams

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Taking an exam for the first time can be a nerve-racking experience for a young student which can highly affect his or her grades. While you can’t take your child’s exam for them, you can help them study and provide a supportive environmen­t.

Be prepared

Be well-versed with the 4 P’s – “Preparatio­n, Prevents, Poor and Performanc­e”. The most effective way of alleviatin­g the stress brought on by tests and exams is to be wellprepar­ed.

Cover all the relevant material

Organise and timetable the period running up to exams. Help your child write down the topics they have to cover – then divide them by the days left until exams begin. This way, they will be sure to cover all their subjects, not just their favourite ones!

Practice answering questions

The last stage of revision should involve practice in answering ex- amination questions in the time allowed. it is important that your child not only knows their work, but is able to regurgitat­e that informatio­n in the allocated time span of the exam.

Take time out for regular breaks

Recognise that concentrat­ion falls off after certain amount of time. This can vary from person to person, but a short break is a good idea every 60 or 90 minutes. A brisk walk is a great way to recharge the batteries.

Eat to improve concentrat­ion

Feed the body and you feed the mind. Fish oils are said to be an aid to concentrat­ion. Make sure they eat healthily and regularly and don’t let them skip meals.

Rest the mind

Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep. give them time to wind down if they have been studying in the evening. Let them watch a bit of TV, have a warm drink and a read before trying to go to sleep.

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