How Can I Help My High Schooler Prepare for Exams?
by Julie Diamond, OCT
*This blog will take about 2-3 minutes to read. If you’re looking for support with your exams, we are offering a FREE Exam Prep workshop on Saturday, January 18th at 11am EST which you can sign up for here. Or, we also offer tailored sessions focused on test prep, study skills, etc. which you can learn more about here.
Exams are an important part of your teen’s academic journey, and preparing for them can be stressful for both students and parents. As a parent, you play a crucial role in helping your teen develop effective study habits, stay organized, and manage exam stress. This comprehensive guide offers practical strategies to help your high schooler excel in their exams and approach the process with confidence.
Whether it’s their first round of exams or they’re seasoned test-takers, here are some tips to ensure your teen is fully prepared and ready to succeed.
1. Create a Study Plan
One of the most effective ways to help your high schooler prepare for exams is by developing a study plan. This plan will provide structure, help manage time, and make the exam preparation process less overwhelming. Start by reviewing the course outline and identifying the key topics that will be covered in the exams.
How to Create an Effective Study Plan:
Set Clear Goals: Work with your teen to identify what they need to accomplish before the exam. For example, “Review all math chapters on algebra” or “Finish studying biology notes on human anatomy.”
Break It Down: Divide the study material into manageable sections and create a study schedule. Make sure they include short breaks to avoid burnout.
Schedule Study Time: Plan study time during hours that you will be most productive and retain the information. Most teens will learn best between the hours of 10am-2pm and 4-10pm.
Prioritize Subjects: If your teen has multiple exams, prioritize subjects based on difficulty or importance. For example, study the subject with the most content first.
Stick to the Plan: Make sure your teen sticks to the schedule and avoids last-minute cramming. Consistency and regular review are key!
A study plan helps your high schooler stay focused and organized, leading to more effective and less stressful study sessions.
For guidance from a teacher to learn how to create an effective study plan, join our tutor Jenna on Saturday, January 18 at 11am for a FREE Exam Prep workshop by signing up here. If you can’t make it, or would like more consistent support, we offer tutoring sessions that focus on test prep, study skills and organizational support.
2. Encourage Active Learning
Simply reading through notes isn’t enough to ensure retention and understanding. Active learning techniques can help your high schooler absorb and apply knowledge more effectively.
Active Learning Strategies:
Practice Tests: Encourage your teen to take practice exams or quizzes. Many textbooks, online resources, or past exam papers are available to simulate exam conditions. Practicing under timed conditions can help with time management and improve test-taking skills.
Teach What They’ve Learned: Have your teen teach you or a sibling the material they are studying. Explaining concepts out loud helps reinforce the information and exposes any gaps in understanding.
Flashcards: Use flashcards for subjects like history or language learning to improve recall. Online platforms like Quizlet can help create digital flashcards.
Study Groups: If your teen feels comfortable, encourage them to join a study group. Collaborative study can help with motivation and understanding difficult concepts.
By using active learning strategies, your teen can engage with the material more deeply and retain information more effectively.
3. Create a Study-Friendly Environment
The right environment can significantly impact your teen’s focus and productivity. Help your high schooler create a dedicated study space that is quiet, organized, and free of distractions.
Tips for an Effective Study Environment:
Minimize Distractions: Encourage your teen to turn off their phone or use apps that limit distractions during study sessions. A quiet space without TV or video games will help your teen concentrate better.
Good Lighting: Ensure the study space is well-lit, as poor lighting can cause eye strain and reduce focus.
Comfortable Seating: Choose a comfortable chair and desk that support good posture, as this will help your teen stay focused for longer periods.
Keep Materials Organized: Help your teen keep all study materials such as books, notes, stationery, and computers within easy reach. A clutter-free workspace promotes focus.
Creating a calm and productive study environment will help your high schooler stay organized and motivated during exam preparation. For more tips on setting up the perfect study environment, refer to our blog on How Do I Set Up The Perfect Study Space for Online Tutoring?
4. Teach Effective Time Management
One of the biggest challenges for high school students is managing their time effectively. With multiple exams, assignments, and extracurricular activities, time management is crucial for exam success.
Time Management Tips for High Schoolers:
Prioritize Tasks: Help your teen focus on the most important or challenging tasks first. Avoid multitasking, as it can reduce productivity.
Use a Timer: Encourage your teen to set a timer for study sessions. The Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of focused study followed by a 5-minute break) is an effective method to keep your teen focused while preventing burnout.
Balance Study and Breaks: Help your teen schedule regular breaks during study sessions. Taking breaks every hour or so helps prevent fatigue and improves concentration.
Set Realistic Deadlines: Encourage your teen to set achievable goals for each study session and complete tasks within the time limit.
By teaching time management skills, you can help your teen stay organized, reduce procrastination, and manage their workload more effectively. For more on how to help your teen organize their time, check out our article, What Practical Tips Can I Offer My Child to Help Them With Time Management and Organizational Skills?
5. Address Exam Anxiety
It’s common for high schoolers to feel anxious before and during exams. As a parent, it’s important to recognize the signs of anxiety and offer strategies to help your teen manage stress.
Tips to Manage Exam Stress:
Promote a Healthy Routine: Encourage your teen to get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, and exercise regularly. A balanced routine can help reduce stress and improve focus.
Practice Relaxation Techniques: Teach your teen relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness exercises. These can help calm nerves before studying or during the exam itself.
Positive Reinforcement: Offer words of encouragement and remind your teen of their strengths. Praise their effort, not just the results, to boost their confidence.
Stay Calm: As a parent, your attitude can influence your teen’s stress levels. Stay calm and supportive, offering reassurance when needed.
By addressing anxiety early and offering support, your teen will be better equipped to handle the stress of exam preparation and the exams themselves.
6. Ensure Healthy Habits During Exam Time
Good physical and mental health are key to exam performance. Help your teen maintain healthy habits throughout their study period.
Healthy Habits to Support Exam Prep:
Sleep: Encourage your teen to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Lack of sleep can lead to difficulty concentrating, memory issues, and increased stress.
Nutrition: Provide healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables, and nuts to fuel your teen’s brain. Avoid excessive caffeine or sugary snacks, which can cause energy crashes.
Physical Activity: Encourage your teen to stay active, whether through walking, stretching, or other exercises. Physical activity can reduce stress and improve focus.
Healthy habits are essential for maintaining energy levels and mental clarity during exam preparation and the exams themselves.
Conclusion: Setting Your Teen Up for Success
As a parent, your support can make a significant difference in your high schooler’s exam preparation. By creating a study plan, encouraging active learning, managing time effectively, fostering a positive study environment, and addressing stress, you can help your teen feel confident and prepared for their exams.
Remember that each student learns differently, and the key is finding strategies that work best for your teen. With the right preparation, your teen can approach their exams with confidence and set themselves up for success.