For many kids, taking a test or quiz can be quite nerve-wracking. Your children want to succeed, and they feel pressure whenever a test or quiz is looming. Your school days may be in the past, but you can definitely relate to the stresses of taking exams, especially longer tests. How can you best support your kids so they can give it their best?
Quiet Areas
First and foremost, if your child wants to study and can’t find a quiet space, look no further than you! Depending on the space they need, you can configure a part of your home to ensure they have zero distractions and lots of quiet so they can get to studying and can concentrate. Your kids can help create the space too, making it cozy and inviting to help them relax and feel at ease, so they can focus on their studies. The space may be within their own room, or in your home office, or even the garage! Whatever makes the most sense as a quiet set up can do wonders for your kid during exam prep.
The Power of Music
Whether it’s during study time or the day of the big test, using music can help your child either relax or get pumped up! Playing classical or lowfi music quietly in the background for your kids can help them focus and feel relaxed while studying. They may not like it completely quiet in their study space so this can be a good way of giving them something small to focus on while also reading over their subject materials. On the day of the exam, play some fun, uplifting music to help them get pumped and build confidence that they know the material. They can dance to help loosen their muscles and get any anxious feelings out of their body before beginning the day.
A Talisman
Sometimes having something to hold onto during a test can help with any nerves or feelings of anxiety. It can be something as innocuous as a rock, a penny, or a necklace. Something that they can hold, wear, or rub when feeling anxious can bring those nerves down and keep their brain focused on the test itself. It can be something specific that they wear or take on test day, or something they have on a daily basis but rely on when a test is looming. It can work wonders while they are in the thick of things during a test and start to get anxious or nervous!
Katie Kyzivat