10 ways to improve bad study habits before PSLE

1. Stay away from electronic devices

Put away games, phones, tablets, mp3s, laptops, etc. Leave them in a different room so your kid does not get distracted. When it 's time for him to take a break, a healthy snack will be helpful. Encourage him to stretch, perform eye massages and to look at greenery as well.

2. Facebook is your greatest enemy

No one in this world can concentrate (on anything) if Facebook is up. Don’t let them study near the computer. Unless the computer is needed for revision, then make sure Facebook is off limits.

3. Study in a quiet room

Stay away from anyone or anything that can be distracting. Study in a closed room where your kids cannot be disturbed. Remember any sounds or noise will divert their attention.

4. Focus on the necessary topics

Studying hard is one thing, but studying smart is better. Help them focus on the topics that will come out in the exams. Don’t waste time by focusing on the unnecessary topics. Practice makes perfect too, so practising on specimen exam papers or past papers will come in handy for your child.

5. Try not to study with best friends

Best friends were never meant to be group study buddies. Your kids will end up talking and laughing. They will never get any work done in the end. Find a suitable study group that they are comfortable with to maximise their learning potential. Studying by themselves is still the best, but this way, discussions will be possible if they encounter any problems.

6. Make the right schedule

It’s very easy to make a revision schedule but has it been done strategically? Assist them in planning their days and nights properly. Make sure they don’t clash with any other activities. It’s best to do revisions at night before bedtime and after a healthy breakfast on weekends.

7. Never snack on unhealthy food

Junk food is an appetite destroyer. It’s hard to concentrate when one’s stomach is filled with bad food. Serve them healthy snacks instead of allowing them to munch on salty chips or hard candy. Go for hot chocolate instead for extra energy. Fruits are good as well to help with better concentration.

8. Pay attention in class

Remind them not to get distracted in class. Put away phones, quit talking in class and listen to the teachers. Find out what is coming out for the exams and focus on those topics only. Your children must be familiar with the syllabus and what is required of them during exams. Paying attention in class is vital because understanding a concept in class is half the battle won. The other half would be to become familiar with it and practice.

9. Teachers won't bite

1-2 weeks before the exams, they should note down all the problems that they’re still facing and consult their teachers for extra tutorials. Perhaps, they might leak out some exam tips too.

10. Organize

Don’t jumble up all revisions in one day. Help them divide each subject into different days according to the various chapters. Studying is more efficient when organized. This applies to your child's surroundings as well. A neater and cleaner study area makes a more conducive environment for her. All the best!

Written by

Roshni Mahtani

PSLEexamsstudyingimprovement