What parents should do the month before the exams?

The Month Before the Exams 1. Self-tests: In the weeks leading up to the final exams, prepare some sample test papers by collating questions from old test papers. Ask children to solve the sample papers while keeping track of the time he takes to solve each test paper. Once he finishes writing the answers, sit with him and compare his answers with the old answer sheet. Alternatively, ask his teacher to do a quick evaluation and give a feedback. This exercise will serve the dual purpose of boosting your child's confidence and giving him the opportunity to work on his weaknesses. 2. Revision: Make children realise the importance of revision. It would serve as practice and drill. Revising the lessons should ideally be done on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 and 21 of the month before the exam. Following this schedule will help prevent last-minute cramming before the exams. 3. Sleep: It is a proven fact that a well-rested mind is efficient and productive. So, encourage your child to sleep well. It will help him concentrate better while also sharpening his memory. Sleep also calms the nerves and helps your child deal with stress. 4. Pep talk: Nothing boosts a child's confidence more than words of encouragement from parents. So, go ahead and become your child's biggest cheerleader . Also, encourage him to engage in positive self-talk. Phrases like - I can do this, With hard work nothing is impossible, can go a long way in helping a child develop a positive frame of mind. 5. Catch a breather: The mind requires times to process, evaluate and store information. So, encourage your child to take regular breaks between study sessions. A good break will help her assess what she has just studied while also refreshing her for the next session. Ideally, child should take a break after every 45-60 minutes. 6. Stay healthy: Taking care of child's health is one of your most important duties during the exam season. Provide her with a balanced diet and keep a check on what she eats during the exam season.

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Dealing With Exam Stress: How Parents Can Make A Useful Plan For Exam Season

Q: What parents should do during the exam time?

Make children follow these tips when exams get started 1. Eating Breakfast: Ensure she/he has breakfast, which is the most important meal of the day. An empty stomach can cause an acid reflux, nausea, headache and increased levels of anxiety. 2. Being on time: It's important he reaches the examination hall on time but too early, as the anticipation of exam will make him more nervous. 3. Practising quick relaxation techniques: Get children to do breathing exercises to calm the nerves and relax the mind. 4. Reading the question paper: It's natural to panic if one is unable to recall the answers during an exam. Teach children to remain calm while reading the question paper and ask her to allot a specific amount of time for answering each question. 5. Leaving extra space: A useful tip to share with children is to leave a little extra space after each answer. The extra space left below an answer can be used for adding something that she/he might remember later while revising the paper. 6. Resuming when well-rested: While we know we are anxious for children to perform well, make sure she relaxes, eats and rests before she/he starts preparing for the next day's exam.

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Not sure about how to support your child during exam time? A simple study plan for exams, along with gentle, realistic exam preparation tips, can help your child stay calm, focused, and confident without adding pressure at home

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Examination. A word that makes students cringe with apprehension! Nothing terrifies children more than the thought of writing an exam. In fact, exam stress is so high that many parents and students seek expert help. Regardless of apprehensions, exams are an integral part of the education system. There's no escaping it. However, it can be managed better. While your child prepares for exams, you play an important role in helping them with exam-related anxieties.

Frantic February, the month before the exam

What parents can do to support their child

Although preparing your child for the final exams is a year-long process, it's never too late to sit with them and draw a 'quick' plan.

Self-tests to build confidence, not pressure

In the weeks leading up to the final exams, prepare sample test papers by collating questions from old test papers. Ask your child to solve the sample papers while keeping track of the time spent on each test paper.
Once they finish answering the test papers, sit with them and compare the answers with the old answer sheets.
Alternatively, ask their teacher to do a quick evaluation and give feedback.

This exercise will boost your child's confidence and help them identify their weak spots.

Note: Do not let your child write more than two sample test papers a day. More than this could cause mental fatigue.

Smart revision using spaced practice

Explain the importance of revision, as it serves as practice and drill. Ideally, lessons must be revised on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, and 21 of the month before the exam. Following this schedule will help prevent last-minute cramming before the exams.
Prepare a calendar for the revision cycle and display it as a visual reminder. Mark your child's progress. Once your child has finished revising a subject, ask them to mark the completed revision sessions in green.

Note: Seeing the completed calendar at the end of the month will boost your child's confidence.

Sleep is the most powerful exam tool

It is a proven fact that a well-rested mind is efficient and productive. So, encourage your child to sleep well. Good sleep aids concentration and sharpens memory. Sleep also calms the nerves.

Note: For children 6 -16 years, a minimum of eight hours of sleep is essential. To ensure they are up bright and early, send them to bed early enough. A rested brain remembers better and is calmer.

The power of a parent’s pep talk

Nothing boosts a child's confidence more than words of encouragement from parents. So, go ahead and become your child's biggest 'cheerleader'. Also, encourage them to engage in positive self-talk. Phrases like 'I can do this,' or 'With hard work nothing is impossible,' can go a long way in helping your child develop a positive frame of mind.

Note: Write positive phrases and words of encouragement on sticky notes and stick them all over the house.

Breaks that actually refresh the brain

The mind requires time to process, evaluate, and store information. So, encourage your child to take regular breaks between study sessions.
A good break helps them assess what they have just studied and refreshes them for the next session.
Ideally, your child should take a break every 45-60 minutes.

Note: Provide healthy snacks and beverages for a much-needed energy boost. Breaks are not a waste of time; they help the brain store what your child has just learnt.

Managing social media distractions gently

WhatsApp status: BUSY! is a helpful way to manage social media distractions.
Encourage them to reduce the time spent on social media until their exams are over.
Ask them to set fixed times to check and respond to messages.

Note: Lead by example. Put up a sign that says 'Facebook/WhatsApp-Free-time'. Encourage all family members to reduce activity on social media platforms during the exam season.

Staying healthy during exam season

Taking care of your child's health is one of your most important responsibilities during the exam season. Provide them with a balanced diet and include their healthy favorites.
Make it a 'No junk food' month. Skip eating out or ordering food during the exam season. An occasional treat is alright.
Encourage your child to exercise lightly to boost their mood, concentration, and overall well-being.

March Madness: Exam time

Once the exams begin, small everyday habits can help your child feel calm and confident inside the exam hall.

Skipping breakfast is a no-no

Ensure they have breakfast, the most important meal of the day. An empty stomach can cause acid reflux, nausea, headache, and increased levels of anxiety.

Reaching the exam centre on time

They must be at the examination hall well in time. For some, reaching too early will make them more nervous.

Using simple relaxation techniques before the exam

Teach breathing exercises to calm the nerves and relax the mind.

Reading the question paper calmly

It’s natural to panic if one is unable to recall the answers during an exam. Slow, deep breaths help calm the nerves.

Leaving space and revising answers

A useful tip to share with your child is to leave a little extra space after each answer. The extra space below an answer can be used for adding information they might remember while revising the paper. Allotting 10–15 minutes at the end to review the answers will ensure there are no silly mistakes or oversights.

Resting before preparing for the next exam

While we know you’re anxious for your child to perform well, make sure they relax, eat, and rest before they prepare for the next day’s exam.

April Afterglow: The month after exams

The worst is over! Here’s how to help your child's emotional recovery

Avoid post-exam analysis and comparisons

Do not discuss question papers with your children after the exams, as it will inevitably reveal some mistakes. Remember, they cannot be undone at this stage.

Let go of small mistakes

So, what if they got a few answers wrong? It is near impossible to get everything right all the time, so cut them some slack.

Let your child unwind

Help them relax and unwind. They deserve it. Don’t keep worrying about the results; just let them face them when they come.