Help Children Study for Exams

expanded methods, added sources

←Older revision		Revision as of 17:42, 26 June 2016
Line 1:		Line 1:
−	Studying for exams is a big thing for students and there are so many exams these days. Parents can help their children by creating the right environment to make studying easier.	+	A large portion of success in school actually happens at home. You can encourage a child to succeed in their scholastic duties by helping them study for exams. Whether you a preparing for a specific exam, or creating good study habits overall, your support can make a huge difference in a child’s ability to do well. Additionally, helping to create a stress-free environment at home will do wonders for a child’s capacity to study and thrive in school.
−		+
	[[Category:Tests and Exams]]		[[Category:Tests and Exams]]
	== Steps ==		== Steps ==
−	#Plan ahead - ideally study should start weeks ahead of the big exam, with plenty of revision and the use of sound study techniques. There are some great books on different study techniques. It is important to remember that not all the methods suit everyone, but that each student should find the techniques that work best for them.[[Image:Help Children Study for Exams Step 1.jpg|center]]	+	===Preparing for a Specific Exam (or Set of Exams)===
−	#Have a study space - create for your student a study space if they don't already have one. It needs to be relatively quiet and away from regular family noise if possible. If the student shares a room perhaps alternative arrangements can be made so that they can have their own space until exams are over.[[Image:Help Children Study for Exams Step 2.jpg|center]]	+	#Plan ahead. Look over your child’s schedule or syllabus at the beginning of the term, and make a note of important exam dates. At least 2-3 weeks prior to any major exam, talk to your child and make sure that they know what the test is going to be on. Have them communicate with their teacher and bring home any study guides or other study materials. Once you know what the test (or tests) will cover, you can formulate a plan together.<ref>http://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/study-and-test-taking-strategies-for-kids-with-learning-difficulties/</ref>[[Image:Help Children Study for Exams Step 1.jpg|center]]
−	#Household jobs - while it's important that your son or daughter remains a valued member of the household unit and pulls their own weight around the house, this may be the time when some of the chores that they are expected to do can be wavered.[[Image:Help Children Study for Exams Step 3.jpg|center]]	+	#Work out a timetable for each subject. Break down everything you need to know for the test (or tests) and create a timetable for your review. This is particular crucial if you will be preparing for multiple exams at the same time (such as finals). For example, if you plan to dedicate one hour per school day to study over the course of two weeks (or ten days total), you can choose to cover one main idea each study day. In the event of multiple exams, you may choose to spend 2 days each on five subjects (e.g., Mondays = Math, Tuesdays = History, and so on).<ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/parents/helping_with_exams/</ref>[[Image:Help Children Study for Exams Step 3.jpg|center]]
−	#Eat well - Many kids will be tempted to gorge on unhealthy snacks during study time, this is really a very important time to be eating well. Bringing healthy snacks to your student on a regular basis can be really helpful. Make sure they drink plenty of water too.[[Image:Help Children Study for Exams Step 4.jpg|center]]	+	#Ensure that your child has all the necessary books, notes, and other materials. For each day that you plan to study, be sure you’re your child brings home anything necessary for the study session to be successful. Examples may include review sheets, textbooks, class notes, or workbooks.<ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/parents/helping_with_exams/</ref>
−	#Take regular breaks - Studying for hours on end is not helpful. The brain needs time to rest and recharge, so encourage your student to take rest breaks.[[Image:Help Children Study for Exams Step 5.jpg|center]]	+	#Administer practice tests. Work with your child to formulate a practice test for each subject (or use one the teacher has provided). Once you feel that your child is ready, administer the test and grade it. This way, you will know which elements of the material your child has a firm grasp on, and which parts need work.<ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/parents/helping_with_exams/</ref>
−	#Exercise - Unfortunately, teenagers studying for big exams often reduce the amount of exercise they do. However, regular exercise is helpful in many ways, it increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain, reduces stress and overall keeps them fit and healthy.  If they were undertaking a lot of exercise they may need to cut back a little but continue to encourage some exercise each day.[[Image:Help Children Study for Exams Step 6.jpg|center]]	+	#*If you have the test prepared early on (or the teacher has provided one), you may consider administering the test near the beginning of the study process, and then again near the end, to see how much your child has improved.
−	#Listen to music - Everyone studies differently, and some studies have shown the benefits of music on learning.  So while it may not be your cup of tea, your teenager having their music blaring may actually be helping them study. Some forms of music are better than others, it is worth looking into.[[Image:Help Children Study for Exams Step 7.jpg|center]]	+	#Watch for signs of frustration. Studying can be hard work for kids, and that’s OK, however you do not want to push them past their limits. If you child become visible agitated, very frustrated, or seems overwhelmed, it may be time to take a break. You child will learn better if they keep stress levels low.<ref>https://childdevelopmentinfo.com/learning/tips-for-helping-kids-and-teens-with-homework-and-study-habits/</ref>
−	#Study buddies - encourage your student to have friends over to study with at appropriate times. Sometimes it is really helpful to bounce ideas off another person, as long as the person they are studying with is as committed to the process as they are.[[Image:Help Children Study for Exams Step 8.jpg|center]]	+
−	#Visual aids - for some visual learners, having stimulus all around them to look at is a great technique.  So this might be the time to encourage your son or daughter to decorate their bedroom walls with posters on "the effects of World War II" or various mathematical formulas.  Maps and other visuals can be powerful study tools.[[Image:Help Children Study for Exams Step 9.jpg|center]]	+
		+	===Forming Good Study Habits===
		+	#Set a regular time to study each day. Good habits form when you stick to a routine. Rather than waiting until an important exam is approaching, form good study habits early on. Begin by setting a regular time to study with your child each day. Even if you only work for twenty minutes at a time, this will be quality time spent with your kid, this will aid to their success in school, and this will set up a positive pattern so that when exam time rolls around, you are ready.<ref>https://childdevelopmentinfo.com/learning/tips-for-helping-kids-and-teens-with-homework-and-study-habits/</ref>
		+	#Determine how long you will study for. While high school students should be able to study for an hour or more, first-graders can only focus for 15-20 minutes at a time. Consider your child’s level of development and attention span, and set a goal for how long you will study during each session.<ref>https://childdevelopmentinfo.com/learning/tips-for-helping-kids-and-teens-with-homework-and-study-habits/</ref>
		+	#Designate a specific “study” location. Another element of solidifying good study habits involves studying in the same place each day. This should be location that is (relatively) free from distraction, and that is a comfortable place to stay for a while. If you have a home office, this can be a good choice, or you can clear some space at your kitchen table and set that up for study time.<ref>https://childdevelopmentinfo.com/learning/tips-for-helping-kids-and-teens-with-homework-and-study-habits/</ref>[[Image:Help Children Study for Exams Step 2.jpg|center]]
		+	#Turn off the TV. Kids will study much more effectively if they can focus on one thing at a time. As a result, it is crucial to avoid as many distractions as you can. Perhaps the number one distraction to avoid is television during your study time. Go ahead and turn it off. Even leaving the TV on in the background will limit both you and your child’s ability to focus.<ref>https://childdevelopmentinfo.com/learning/tips-for-helping-kids-and-teens-with-homework-and-study-habits/</ref>
		+	#Take regular breaks. Another important habit to get into is to study when it is time to study, and rest when it is time to rest. This can be easily achieved if you schedule regular breaks into your study session. For example (for an older child), you may consider working for 45 minutes and then taking a 15 minute break.<ref>https://childdevelopmentinfo.com/learning/tips-for-helping-kids-and-teens-with-homework-and-study-habits/</ref>
		+
		+	===Creating a Stress-free Environment===
		+	#Provide healthy snacks. An important aspect of academic success is good nutrition. Children cannot study effectively if they are hungry, or if they only eat unhealthy snacks. Set your child up for study success by making healthy snacks available.<ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/parents/helping_with_exams/</ref>[[Image:Help Children Study for Exams Step 4.jpg|center]]
		+	#*Good choices include hummus and carrots, peanut butter and apples, and popsicles made from 100% juice.
		+	#*Be sure your child stays hydrated! Provide lots of water to drink.
		+	#Inform all members of the family. Whenever your child has a big exam coming up (or especially if it is multiple exams), it is a good idea to let all members of the family know. This way, everyone can be supportive, and try not to create additional stress for that child.<ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/parents/helping_with_exams/</ref>
		+	#Try to ensure a good night’s sleep. Sleep is absolutely crucial for exam success. At least one week prior to the exam, be sure that your child gets at least 8 hours of rest each night. Of course, this is particularly important on the night preceding the exam.<ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/parents/helping_with_exams/</ref>
		+	#Avoid bribery. You may be tempted to bribe your child into studying or doing well on a test. This method should be avoided, however, because it sets up a false system of external rewards. You want your child to study and do well in school for the intrinsic value of doing well, not for the candy or money you will give them. If the work for intrinsic value, this will ensure greater academic success over time.<ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/parents/helping_with_exams/</ref>
		+	#Be patient with your child. Of course, no matter which methods you choose, you should always practice patience when studying with your child. When you are calm and patient, it will help your child to cope when they become frustrated, and ultimately to study more effectively.
	== Related wikiHows ==		== Related wikiHows ==
Line 20:		Line 32:
	*[[Make Digital Flashcards to Help You Study for a Test/Quiz/Exam]]		*[[Make Digital Flashcards to Help You Study for a Test/Quiz/Exam]]
	*[[Make Your Children Study]]		*[[Make Your Children Study]]
		+
		+	==Sources and Citations==
		+	{{reflist}}