Exam time can be an incredibly stressful period for children. Whether it’s the end-of-year exams, GCSEs or A-Levels, there’s no escaping the fact that a lot of pupils feel the pressure when it comes to this time of year.

The phenomenon is so well known that the government sees it as a priority to address test anxiety in educational settings.

Likewise, there are things you can do at home. In this article, we share a few top tips on how parents can help their kids prepare for any important exams this year.

Support and praise 

Before we delve into any of the materials that can help to support your kids throughout their exams, there’s an important one you can provide instantly – and it won’t cost you a penny! 

Verbal encouragement goes a long way when it comes to exam time, as it demonstrates that you believe in your child. Cheer them on from the sidelines. This will instantly help to boost their confidence and self-esteem, reducing any initial doubts and anxiety they may have. 

Bring cups of tea and refreshments to their revision station to fuel their study sessions. Tell them they’re doing a great job. Test them on their notes. This praise and encouragement will help them to cement a positive mindset.

Invest in a tutor

If you know your child particularly struggles with a certain subject, you could consider investing in a tutor to help them. Tutors teach your child in a focused environment where it’s safe to ask questions away from classmates. 

This allows them to tailor their teachings to what your child struggles with most, gradually building their knowledge and confidence over time. While tutors are incredibly beneficial, they can be pricey; be confident that your finances can shoulder this expense in the long term before committing to any paid pedagogical support.

Get equipped 

Making sure your child has everything they need for revision is key to successful studying. Flashcards are great for writing out bullet-pointed notes and can be colour-coordinated to categorise each subject. Coloured pens, such as fine-liners or highlighters, work well for memory association, as writing in colour can increase our retention of new information. 

Alongside stationary, it’s also a good idea to stock up on the relevant textbooks required, as well as mathematics tools such as a scientific calculator, a protractor, and a pair of compasses. 

A wristwatch is an often-overlooked item that can be extremely beneficial in exams. If your child is seated at the back of the exam hall and is unable to see the clock, they’ll be able to keep track of how much time they have left.

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.