The ability to cope with exam stress is key in unlocking academic success. With exams fast approaching, stress is mounting for students and parents alike.
Here’s how parents can help according to hayleysjoys

Designated Study Area
Creating a dedicated study space is essential for effective learning. Choose a quiet spot in your home with fresh air, comfortable furniture, and an ideal temperature. Keep desk space tidy, with only the necessary books, stationery, and a laptop if needed. Remember, studying in bed is never recommended!

Time Management 
Develop a realistic study timetable well ahead of exams, allowing ample revision time for each subject. Place a clock in the study area to keep track of time. You can also create a visual schedule by printing and laminating a clock with marked end times for study sessions. During full-day preparations, use the 45/15 method – study for 45 minutes, followed by a 15-minute break; repeat twice, then enjoy a 30-minute break.

Mind Moves 
It’s important to get the brain ready to fire on all cylinders for absorbing information. Take a few minutes for brain exercises before any study session. Activities like palm stretch, finger fight, antennae adjuster, temporal adjuster, temporal toner, visual workouts, and power on, are excellent to gear the brain for learning.

Creating a dedicated study area is essential for effective learning. Photo: iStock

To help children successfully navigate exam time, especially first-time exam writers, Sanlam has some pointers for parents:

• Set the right mood: Maintain a relaxed and stress-free environment ahead of exams to prevent children from developing a negative connection to exams during their early years.
• Create balance to beat stress: Encourage children to engage in varied activities. Allow for a balance between study time and time spent with friends, hobbies, and sports to prevent overwhelm.
• Prep and plan: Establish a structured study schedule at least two weeks before exams. Allocate specific study time during afternoons or evenings, to ensure preparedness.
• Cut out unnecessary noise: Help children stay organised to avoid unnecessary stress. be aware of the exam schedule to prevent last-minute disasters, such as preparing for the wrong subject.
• Stay connected emotionally: Maintain emotional support and communication with the child, regardless of age, to help manage exam pressure effectively.

The South African Education Department gives the following: tips:  

• Have all materials ready like pencils, pens, highlighters, and paper before starting to study.
• Be positive. To get good marks, make sure your brain holds onto the information you are learning.
• Take a walk outside. A change of scenery will stimulate your learning. You’ll be surprised at how much more you take in after being outside in the fresh air.
• Break up your learning sections into manageable parts. Trying to learn too much at once will only result in losing focus and getting anxious.
• Keep study sessions short. Reward yourself with short, constructive breaks.
• Teach what you’ve learned to anyone who will listen. It might feel strange at first, but it’s worth reading your revision notes aloud.
• Your brain learns well with colors and pictures. Try to use them whenever you can.
• Be confident with the learning areas you know well, and focus your brain energy on the sections that you find more difficult to take in.
• Repetition is key to retaining information, so keep going – don’t give up!
• Support your brain by getting at least eight hours of sleep every night, by eating well, and by drinking plenty of water.
• Build stamina. Studying for exams is not unlike strenuous exercise – make sure you are physically prepared.

OFM News/Heidrè Malgas ap/dg