11+ Exam Day - Our Top Tips to stay focused and calm.
Sitting any exam is very stressful, both for the child and the parent. Sitting an important exam such as the 11+exam is no different. There are a lot of stressful days and nights as the date of the exam approaches and these simple but effective tips may help both parent and child to face the stress of the day.
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All sorts of people give lots of advice but my favourite and top tip is Number 1.
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Do exactly what will work for you and your child.
Every family is different; every child and every parent are different in their approach to dealing with stress. Some people like to talk constantly about the exams, others don’t want to mention it. Some children/parents want to listen to motivational music. Some parents like to wear something special for luck, children might find comfort in a special lucky charm – the list of differences is endless. So, you should do whatever puts you and your child in the best place to face the day and you'll both be set up to help your child ace the exam.
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You are the parent so you must stay calm – though that can be difficult.
Routines should be kept as normal as possible the night(s) before the exam or exams. If your child goes to bed earlier than usual your child may not sleep and they end up tired. All children pick up If their parents are stressed and this can lead to your child getting stressed themselves. Too much stress can affect performance. If brothers/sisters have already taken and passed the 11-plus try not to compare sibling performance in these previous exams.
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Laugh.
Laughing is known to relax people, lower stress and will help you both get a good night’s sleep.
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Make sure you wake up in plenty of time
You may want to set an alarm or even set two. If you're still worried you might sleep in get a family member or friend to check you're up. You must have your child at the exam in plenty of time and that means getting up! Being late and racing to leave the house will cause all sorts of unnecessary pressure and stress !!
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Know when it’s time to stop preparing.
It’s too late increasing pressure as they are about to leave the house - if you’re child doesn’t know their stuff by now, they never will! Too much last-minute cramming may just and cause additional panic.
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Be prepared the night before.
Have everything sitting and ready to go. Pencils sharpened, admission cards and everything else that your child will need sitting pretty and to hand. Looking for an admission card and chasing around the house in search of it won’t be good.
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Arriving at the exam centre.
Tell them how pleased you are that they worked so hard, tell them that it is not likely that the exam will contain anything that they have not seen before. Offer last minute support and reinforcement’ If appropriate tell them that you will see them after the exam is over. Wish them “All the very best” and as you are the parent stay calm.
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Let us repeat ourselves:-
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Do exactly what will work for you and your child.
Every family is different; every child and every parent are different in their approach to dealing with stress. Some people like to talk constantly about the exams, others don’t want to mention it. Some children/parents want to listen to motivational music. Some parents like to wear something special for luck, children might find comfort in a special lucky charm – the list of differences is endless. So, you should do whatever puts you and your child in the best place to face the day and you'll both be set up to help your child ace the exam.