Melenie van Wyngaardt , mother of two, runs Penguin Tutoring in Johannesburg. She shares her findings on successful exam preparations.
As parents and professionals in this field we have found that anxiety linked to examinations causes young learners more stress than any other form of academic assessment. Here are a few tips on what we as parents can do to relieve this pressure:
Make them aware that they are being supported by all in the family, regardless of their results. Sometimes the scariest prospect for our children is what will happen if they disappoint us.
Help them to set realistic goals and put the exams in perspective!
Let them know that their studying is a priority for the whole household by trying to minimise any sense of isolation they may be feeling. Put a copy of their exam timetable on the fridge to make it easier for everyone to talk to them about it. If regular household habits, such as having the TV on all afternoon, are making it difficult for them to remain focussed, try and make temporary changes that demonstrate the family’s support.
Offer to help with study planning or testing them. Give them tips on other ways to jog their memory during an exam, e.g. acronyms or keywords or silly rhymes to remember scientific elements. Discuss any problems they may have with their exam technique. Address time management & the importance of taking time to read and interpret a question before answering. Try and come up with creative ways to help them improve on their mistakes.
Discuss their individual relationships with teachers. Schedule an appointment with their teacher to discuss areas which should be focussed on and their observations about the child.
The internet is a vast resource for previous exam papers. Find useful links to resources on our website.
Stress can deplete our systems from necessary nutrients and inhibit the brain from maintaining optimal concentration levels. Get an appropriate multivitamin to help with concentration. Make sure they are getting enough breaks during their study sessions. Encourage them to be outdoors and carry on with their extra murals. Make sure that all meals are balanced and have a few healthy snacks on hand. Ensure that they are getting enough sleep as this is vital to clear & calm thinking.
A tutor can be an enormous help during this stressful time. These young individuals are equipped to mentor, offer support and act as an understanding ear.
We at Penguin Tutoring understand that the approach to learning needs to be adapted to the needs of each individual learner at affordabe rates. Visit our website to find out more.
