The success in school exams and class tests is often a result of hard work and dedication at both school and at home. Preparation for exams gives children the best chance at retaining the information and achieving the grades they desire, which is why revision and the techniques used are such a vital part of your child’s education. Children can often begin to panic and experience levels of stress while thinking about their future exams and the revision ahead. The following pointers should provide you, as parents, with tips and a structure which can assist you and your child during this important period of their lives.
The Earlier Revision is Started, the Easier it Will Be
With the volume of subjects and content to be covered, it is advisable that revision is started as early as possible or when recommended by your child’s teacher. Last-minute cramming can put too much pressure on children, and this strain does not promote an effective learning environment. Instead, revision that is scheduled and planned well in advance will be much more beneficial. The additional time also allows your child to revisit areas they were unsure of or ask a teacher for assistance and clarity on the subject.
Little and Often
Large pieces of information can be difficult to retain. Instead, break the sessions and subjects into reasonable and manageable chunks. This also makes revision a less intimidating prospect and improves confidence, as the goals and aims of the session are realistic and achievable.
Plan and Prepare
Revision takes organisation; select which subjects should take priority and allocate how much time should be spent on each subject before your child begins. Having a structured timetable encourages your child to take ownership of how they spend their time and, in turn, promotes their independent study skills. A timetable will also give parents an idea of how children are managing the revision and whether they are following their schedules.
Create a Revision Space
Having a space within your home that is dedicated to homework, revision and general study can help with your child’s level of concentration. They will begin to relate the space to the tasks that they complete there, which will minimise distractions and encourage them to focus.
Revision Notes and Games
Writing revision notes is one of the most effective ways of retaining information. The notes can be re-written several times and passed on to friends and family for revision games and quizzes. Having notes will also highlight to your child which areas they are doing well in and which areas still need work.
Past Exam Papers
Practising past papers can make revision and the thought of an exam a much less daunting prospect. It gives children the chance to accustom themselves to the language used in the questions and how much time should be allocated to each one.
Exercise
Exercise between revision sessions can help with concentration and relieve stress. Physical activity oxygenates the brain and is proven to improve the productivity during revision.
Breaks and Rewards
When your child is nearing the end of their revision session, it is important for them to be encouraged to take a break, away from their desk. By moving your body and temporarily resting your brain, the information is more likely to be remembered.
Here at St Peter’s private school, Devon, revision frequently takes place within the classroom, as together we recap previous learnings and visit subjects that were covered earlier in the term.
Do you have any effective revision tips to share with us and the fellow parents of the school? Let us know how your children revise via our social media channels.
