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You may be helping your child prepare for an exam. Or simply supporting their everyday learning. Let's have a look at what revision is, why it's important, and how best to support your child with it.
Why is revision important?
Revision helps your child remember what they learn and to do their best in exams. Regular revision of school topics is a great way to review what your child knows. It also makes revising for exams less daunting, because they will already know how to do it. And when they know that revision is an important part of learning, they build valuable skills and expand their capabilities. Revision can take many forms. It could be your child discussing what they learn at school every day. Or it could be your child creating a rhyme for memorising the elements of the periodic table! Whatever it may be, there are lots of ways to make it a fun, regular practice.
How can you encourage your child to revise?
Revision will be fun for your child if you stay positive and encourage them every step of the way. Ask your child what they enjoy learning about. Perhaps they love English, but don’t enjoy Maths, for example. In that case, take what they love from English and apply it to maths. Maybe they love writing down their thoughts and ideas. If so, they could try writing down a maths method in three sentences and teaching it to you. See this is a chance to get to know your child’s learning preference (how they best remember what they’ve learnt). Once you know this, your child can revise according to their needs, and you can support them with this.
How do you make revision engaging?
Engaging with the senses while learning can help your child to retain information. Have a look at the learning techniques below and see which ones your child might be interested in! Some children prefer one method over another, and some like all three.
1. Visual
Visual learning involves using colours, diagrams, and mind-maps. If your child likes drawing or painting, they'll love any learning that combines these activities!
2. Auditory
This revision technique involves learning through listening. Try revising through rhymes or recordings. If your child enjoys reading or listening to music, they'll enjoy this one.
3. Kinesthetic
Kinesthetic learning involves learning by doing. Think: practical activities that require your child to show what they know. This could include role-playing, presentations, or interactive games. If your child likes computer games or drama games, this if for them!
What are the 5 revision strategies?
1. Find out what your child is being tested on
This is the first important step. Ask your child and their teacher what they will be tested on. Or if it’s not for an exam, ask your child or their teacher where they can improve. Once you know this, you and your child can focus on these areas.
2. Make a revision timetable together
Once you know the areas to focus on, help your child create a revision timetable. Get together and make a plan for which topics to revise, and when. A revision timetable should include short bursts of revision, and regular breaks. Make sure revision stops with plenty of time to wind down and get a good night’s sleep. And don’t forget the snack supply! Snacks = motivation and nutrition for the brain.
3. Tailor to your child’s learning preference
You may have noticed how your child likes to work. Or you’ve used the guidance above to find out their preference. Maybe they enjoy visual learning and they respond well to bright colours and diagrams. Maybe they learn by listening (rhymes, songs for memory, music while learning). Maybe they remember information by doing (role-playing, revision games, exercises). Whatever their preference is, make sure your child’s revision techniques are efficient and enjoyable for them. If you have time to get involved, you might even want to help them create presentations, posters, or raps! Another popular technique is role-playing as a student in your child’s class. Ask them to teach you what they’ve just revised. It’s a great way to see if they are retaining the correct information.
4. Study groups
Most of the time, other children in your child’s class will be sitting the same exam as your child. Getting friends together to learn and test one another on what they know is a great way of making revision fun. It also makes what they learn more memorable. As I’m sure you know, it’s easy to remember joyful events. And kids enjoy being with their friends. So get the kids together, get the snacks on the table, and watch them share their knowledge with each other. Explaining an idea or topic to another person is a really good way to solidify what they know. And they’re teaching someone else what they know at the same time - win win!
5. Mock tests
These are an excellent way to prepare your child for exam conditions. Exam day is less scary if your child practises writing to a time limit and knows what an exam paper looks like. Mock tests are perfect to do when your child finishes learning a topic. They can also be helpful to do as a starting point, to see if there are any gaps in knowledge. If possible, have your child sit at a desk in a quiet room, set a timer, and leave them to it. Then you can review your child’s progress, go through any mistakes with them, and practise what needs improving. You can find practice papers online or ask your child’s teacher for relevant resources.
6. Consider hiring a tutor
Not all parents have time to help their children revise regularly. You may also struggle to motivate your child, and this is normal. Often, children listen and respond well to tutors. Tuition provides dedicated time for your child to focus on what they need to revise, with someone who really knows what they’re doing. Private tutors provide relevant learning resources, mock tests, and tailored teaching. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help from a private tutor or tutoring platform.
People often think revision is boring and challenging. This is only true if a child does not feel encouraged and supported. So, using the tips here will make revision fun, creative, and consistent for your child. Follow the tips, stay positive, and trust your child’s learning style. Good luck!
Find the perfect tutor with Atom Tuition
At Atom, we have a hassle-free service to help you find a tutor. Our team of dedicated client managers will talk to you about your child and their needs, matching you with the perfect tutor to help your child achieve their full potential and boost confidence for their education and beyond.
One-to-one private tuition with Atom is available for Key Stage 2 core subjects (English, maths and science) and preparation for selective secondary schools. You’ll get:
A uniquely personalised and data-driven tutoring service
A carefully-selected tutor who has undergone enhanced DBS checks and has a proven track record for success
Weekly reporting and termly assessments, with 24/7 access to your child’s progress data
Discounted access to our award-winning online platform Atom Nucleus for continuous learning between sessions
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