Involvement of parents is very necessary to help children score good marks in exams and school test. Here is what you can do to help your children prepare and do well in exams and school tests.Studies, tests and exams can be a nerve-racking new beginning for a young student, especially if it is the first time. Understandably, the child is nervous, scared and tensed but parents can go a long way in helping their child
prepare for the exams and tests ahead and reassure them that they will do well.
Your child is yet unfamiliar as to how to plan and study for an exam, therefore you need to provide the supportive environment emphasizing on hard-work and discipline. Therefore, through prior preparation and practice, she would learn to handle the
stress of exams without feeling the need to use unfair means. She will grow to be dependent on herself and learn from mistakes in order to
score good marks in every test.
1. Learn About the Exam
Read about the exam procedures before planning out a study schedule for your child. Talk to the teacher and know about the pattern of the exam, the material that would be tested on, the duration of the exam and the supplies needed. Consult the teacher beforehand and discuss the progress your child has been making in class. Know about the specific things that your child should know and how to work on her weak points. Ask for targeted study techniques that the teacher might be able to offer for your child.
Do not allow your child to postpone studies till the last minute and make her start preparing at least two or three weeks in advance. Plan the schedule well; encourage her to devote time to study for two hours every day. Plan what your child will study each day; if possible, make her complete two topics of the chapter, do twenty maths problems or write an essay which still amounts to study. Focus on the weaker subjects and think of ways to create interest for your child in the same.
3. Prepare for Different Subjects in Different Ways
Your child might be better at some subjects, while they might do not so well in others.
For languages, reading books is an excellent habit. Make a habit of reading at least one book with your child which will help her learn new words and emphasising on the deeper analysis of the story rather than simply focusing on the narrative. You can also make them read simple articles and discuss them on the way to school. Encourage your child to write to help develop their analytical skills.
Mathematics can be handled by playing the add-and-subtract game using daily-life examples. Use money to solve money problems and use the clock to solve time problems. Turn mealtimes into study time as well, such as fractions when dividing the cake. Most importantly, write down all the maths formulae in a place and have your child take a look at them daily.
For social studies, use flash cards to write down the important concepts. Use methods such as mnemonics and associations to help remember things. Maps can be practised by hanging a huge colourful map in the room with all the important places marked in colour.
4. Practice Tests
Engage your child in a practice tests a couple of days before the exam. You can take help of the previous question papers or simply instruct your child to practise their spellings, sums or read their flash cards. Make sure to end each topic with a revision test, and ask your child random questions on the chapter to see if she can retain information.
5. Confidence is Key
Children nowadays suffer from stress as well; therefore you need to keep a positive attitude towards exams. Reassure your child that she should do her best, and that success or failure is secondary. If your child is stressed, take her out for a break and continue with work later. Teach her relaxation techniques and tell her that the test will not determine her
intelligence or self worth.
Though the simple class test might seem a momentous task for your child right now, it will enable her to face greater challenges ahead. As parents, you should know what is best for your child and develop study methods and techniques that will suit her best.
How to prepare children for school tests and exams? What are the ways to help children keep exam stress at bay? How to improve attention span and concentration of children? Discuss here. 
