So, it’s time for your little one to sit for nursery exams. It’s perfectly normal for parents to experience small flutters of anxiety during this initial encounter with exams. This is largely due to the stress associated with the term ‘exam.’ However, now is the time to unlearn and relearn! Exams should not be a source of stress. You need to be mindful not to stress yourself out and, equally importantly, not to pass on these vibes to your young one. They can pick up on these vibes quite early!
At Pragyanam, one of the best CBSE schools in Gurgaon, we prioritize the holistic development of each student and ensure that our life-skills-based curriculum prepares them to navigate life’s ups and downs. The number one tip for preparing nursery students for exams is to avoid passing on any fear of exams to them. In fact, exams should be seen as a normal part of the evaluation process and a chance for course correction.
That said, here are some other tips that will come in handy in preparing the Nursery students for exams:
Table of Contents
Study Routine
Spend some time with the child every day, revising concepts. Effective revision involves moving from recently learned topics to older ones and vice versa. It’s normal for young children to have short attention spans; therefore, don’t expect long hours of study. In fact, studying in small chunks will ensure that the child doesn’t find it overwhelming. Once you have the test schedule, it will be helpful to work backward in small pieces. For instance, a 10-word spelling test on a Friday could involve learning five words each on Monday and Tuesday and revisiting them throughout the week to ensure the child is well-prepared.
It’s also crucial to make the revision process fun and engaging. This way, the child is more likely to grasp concepts easily and not view studying as a chore. Keep in mind your child’s learning style. For instance, a visual learner will benefit from using flashcards.
Overall, it’s essential to remember that while you assist the child with their revision work, avoid doing the work for them. You certainly want to instill independence in the child, which will greatly contribute to their future success.
Establishing healthy study habits also includes having a quiet, organized study space. When this habit is cultivated early, it will stay with the child and benefit their self-study skills in the future.
Test Formats
It’s important to familiarize the students with the test formats, so they are prepared for what’s to come. This will also alleviate the fear of the unknown, leaving the student well-prepared to tackle the test.
Focus on Confidence
It’s easy to become flustered when the child makes mistakes, and in the heat of the moment, we may use words that affect his or her confidence. Remember, you should be the supportive voice for your child. It’s crucial to offer encouragement. What’s also important to note is that what you say to your child often becomes their inner voice.
Moreover, it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of putting in effort rather than fixating on the results. Avoid using grades as a measure of the child’s self-esteem. Instead, instill in them that giving their best effort is the primary goal, and they shouldn’t become overly obsessed with the outcomes. Learning this lesson early on will significantly alleviate anxiety when the child encounters numerous exams and nursery students for exams.
Ensure that the child is rested
Make sure that the child eats well and gets adequate rest to be able to focus on the test. Ask the child what they want to eat to make the night before the test special. Similarly, in the lead-up to the exams, it will also be helpful to treat them to a snack or a game once they have accomplished the goals set for the day.
Ensure that the child feels heard
If the child shows any signs of anxiety, listen to them, and try to understand their concerns. Simply verbalizing their fears can provide some relief. Once you know what is troubling them, you can develop effective strategies to help. Consider introducing them to the power of affirmations; they can conquer their fears by repeating affirmations like ‘I am prepared for whatever comes my way today!’
If the child feels disappointed after a test, your reactions can significantly reassure them. Assure them that there will be plenty of opportunities for improvement and success. Here’s a pro-tip: no matter what you do, avoid comparing the child’s performance to that of other children.
Here’s to your child excelling in tests, and let’s remember not to let test results define their self-worth!
