Examinations times can be pretty stressful both for the child and the parent. Having a plan for revision, and sticking to it is an absolute must, especially if your child is easily distracted. Here are some tips to help you and your child avoid the many distractions.
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Discuss with your child to create a timetable that is organised by subject. Assign a reasonable division of time for all subjects, providing a little more for the ones that the child struggles with. Once you have a schedule it is hard to avoid it. Also your work seems well organised and available to you at a glance.
It is impractical to expect your child to do away with the phone and computer. Sit down and have an honest conversation. Agree to have no distractions during revision time to ensure focused study and allow free access to electronic media at other times.
As such, it’d be best to put your child’s phone on silent mode and preferably, keep it away. This way, he won’t be interrupted by phone calls or text messages while studying.
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Television and studies do not mix. It’s too easy for your child to watch one more episode of his favourite show while promising that he will study afterward. Don’t let that happen. Instead turn these distractions in to rewards for your child when he meets his study goals.
Stay away from foods made of white flour, such as cookies, cakes, and muffins, which require added time and energy to digest. Also avoid foods that are high in refined sugar, such as chocolates, desserts, and candies.
Instead, ease your children’s anxiety over their next big tests by serving a nutritious breakfast. Whole grains, dairy products and fruit, especially, are linked to beneficial effects in the classroom. These foods provide filling fibre to provide energy and ward off hunger as well as essential vitamins and minerals to keep students sharp.
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As a student, it seems almost impossible to get enough sleep. But sleep is vital if you want to perform well academically. It is important for your child to get a good night’s sleep before an exam, so discourage him from staying up late to cram.
Encourage him to take a walk with you, say to the supermarket or just round the park. This will help clear his mind before the next revision session.
Kids require adequate breaks to unwind between lessons. This will refresh the minds and make it easier for them to study. Time management is an important commodity during revision. Factor in time for relaxing breaks, moderate exercise and sleep.
Some people need music in order to help them study, but try not to give your brain anything else to focus on while you’re studying. One more distraction, even if it’s calming music, is another thing your brain has to process in addition to the information you’re trying to learn.
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When you panic, you make mistakes, so keep calm throughout. If you successfully planned your revision, you will have no need to panic when the exam comes. Take a deep breath, tell yourself “I can do this,” and cool down.
Text: Bauer/ Additional Reporting: Shenielle Aloysis