How to prepare for exams mentally and emotionally

Exams are a natural part of a child’s education. As they progress, they will have to sit summative assessments at different stages of learning, such as the 11 plus or the SATs.

Exams can be a very stressful time for a child. The pressure can build up and make it extremely hard for them to cope. However, there are many different ways to help a child deal with this mental and physical strain and it is important for them to get used to these techniques sooner rather than later.

Read on to discover a few ways to help your child prepare for exams and reduce the strain both mentally and emotionally.

Discuss them with your child

Having a discussion with your child can help alleviate any fears and concerns they may have. Remember that not all fears will be obvious and might be missed. Creating a routine of these discussions may help your child open up when things get too much and they start to feel overwhelmed.

Social events/networking

Working together with others who are experiencing the same thing helps children and parents to feel they are not alone in the exam journey. Children can share their aspirations with each other. Parents can share their personal experiences and give tips and advice to others.

Start early

There’s no substitute for beginning revision early. Starting the preparation early and having a plan helps your child manage the workload over a longer period. This avoids rushing through the content and leaving your child overwhelmed. When it comes to entrance exams in Year 6, Atom's education experts recommend starting in earnest in September of Year 5.

Create a revision timetable

A structured plan makes it easier to stick to revision which can make all the difference. Try to agree on a study timetable with your child and be realistic. Revising little and often will minimise the chance of your child getting distracted and demotivated. Half an hour every other night can be all it takes to improve your child’s confidence. A revision timetable can be as simple as an Excel spreadsheet or a handwritten table displayed somewhere where your child will easily see it such as their bedroom.

Exam practice

Familiarisation with known question styles and formats will allow your child to focus on answering the questions to the highest standard. Access to unlimited practice materials will help to ensure confidence when tackling the test. Atom has a library of Mock Tests mirroring the style and format of the various Key Stage 2 exams, so your child will know exactly what to expect.

We can help

We know how crucial this time is, so our team is on hand to support you and your family every step of the way. You can book a call with one of our Education Experts to ask any other questions you may have about the Key Stage 2 exams:

Book a call

Free parent webinar

Watch Atom's free parent webinar on supporting your child through exam season. You'll learn strategies for taking a positive approach to exam prep and ensuring your child does not feel overwhelmed during this period.