Six months have already passed since the start of the academic year. This means that students and their parents have probably already adjusted their routines and are now preparing for one of school life’s inevitabilities – examinations. Perhaps, all parents can agree that the earlier their child prepares for their exams, the better their performance will be.
But how early should your child study for their tests? Is studying 1 or 2 months before the exams a good thing? The answer is, it fairly depends. While early exam preparation is indeed helpful in ensuring your child will not have to cram when the exams come, there is a need to strike a balance between study and play so as not to overburden your child.
To help you make sure your child will ace their upcoming exams, we list down 6 of the most effective early test preparation tips you can consider trying with your child.
1. Set realistic goals
Setting realistic goals is a crucial component of your child’s exam preparation process because it gives them something definite and concrete to work towards. These goals should be realistic in the sense that they are neither too lax nor too ambitious. Instead, they should be set closely in accordance with your child’s strengths and weaknesses. To put it simply, it would be best for your child to be working towards their ‘personal best’.
2. Review old and current work
To identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses, one of the most effective things you can do is review their old and current work. It would be good to find out the subjects, topics, and questions your child seems to have struggled with on their previous exams. From there, you may help them improve their scores for the subsequent tests by focusing on these topics during their current preparation. You can also consult their teacher for guidance, advice, and insights into your child’s academic needs.
3. Having the right mindset and strong study habits
Test preparation involves more than just memorising lessons and knowing how to answer questions correctly. It also requires the development of solid study habits and the right mindset. One of the best study habits your child should develop is having the discipline to set aside time for revising and understanding past materials on a regular basis. This habit will help them establish a more solid foundation in the long run, absorb materials more quickly, and cultivate a love for learning.
4. Avoid burnout through pacing
Although academic success sounds sweet, it should not come at the expense of your child’s health, particularly their mental health. As a parent, you should bear in mind that forcing your child to study very early and pressuring them will only lead to burnout. Burnout happens when an individual is obliged to accomplish ‘too much, too soon’. So, avoid pressuring your child too much by letting them pace themselves! When left neglected, burnout can contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
5. Drink and eat healthily
Preparing for exams is usually exhausting and can rapidly drain your child’s energy. It is vital to make sure your child remains physically and mentally active during their tests by providing them with nutritious drinks and snacks that they can munch on while studying as a source of energy. Foods like seeds, nuts, yoghurt, and blueberries have been scientifically proven to aid memory and concentration. Hence, you might want to buy these for your child. As much as possible, keep them away from junk food.
6. Engage the services of a private tutor
Sometimes, no matter how early and hard your child studies, there are still some lessons they may find hard to grasp on their own. If your child is having a difficult time studying specific subjects or topics, you should consider signing them up for private home tuition. In Singapore, private tutors are in demand because they are usually effective at helping students understand their lessons and score higher on their exams. Thus, if your child is struggling academically, a tutor will definitely help!
Conclusion
Studying early will indeed help your child perform better on their exams. However, good grades should not come at the expense of your child’s well-being. While it is essential to encourage your child to excel in their academics, it is equally necessary to make sure they still get the free time they need to enjoy and have fun. Hopefully, the 6 tips we shared in this article will help you convince your child to prepare early for their tests the right way!
If you are in need of a reliable private tutor to assist your child in their studies, Tuition Family Singapore is here to help you! We offer online and 1 to 1 home tuition in Singapore for students struggling in their academics or who simply want to obtain higher grades on their exams. To find a suitable tutor for your child, simply fill out a tutor request form according to your requirements and budget; we will handle the rest of the process. With the help of our seasoned tutors, your child will surely be one step ahead of becoming the best student you want them to be.