Natasha Bhatia
Jul 26, 2017 · 3 min read

5 Tips for parents to make their kids study willingly and prepare for the PSLE

The Primary School Leaving Exams or PSLE are the stepping stone of your kid’s future. It is necessary that they perform to the best of their abilities. But, getting them to prepare for it can be challenging for parents. Coercing them may not always be the best route. However, if you do encourage them and have some smart tips up your sleeves, not only can you reduce your anxiety, but you can also make your kids willingly study and prepare for the PSLE papers.

1. Studying doesn’t just mean through books

As parents, we need to be more open minded about the concept and approach towards preparation. Though back in the days, studying meant being at your desk and revising something over and over again, things have changed, and maybe even for the better. Studying is no longer restricted to books, it has become interactive and engaging, more importantly it has become digitalized. Encourage your kids to study from mobile phones and even laptops and desktops.

2. Make learning fun with games

Learning doesn’t have to be boring and dreary. Make a learning session fun with games and a little competition. Xcllence offers many online games that help students revise subjects and prepare better for disciplines such as PSLE Science, PSLE Math and even PSLE English. These games cover different modules and are in accordance with the subjects. The best part is that these games can be played over and over again and are free of any charges.

3. Incentivize and reward kids

Psychologists advice parents that when you have your backs against a wall, which is the case with preparation for exams, it is best to introduce the incentive and reward method. It’s not as bad as it sounds. At work too, it helps us go the extra mile if we know that we will get a little something in return. Kids are no different. Try taking them out for a treat when they complete a PSLE Science learning a lesson, or complete certain hours of study for PSLE Math. Simple things such as half an hour of watching their favourite cartoon, or even an outing to an ice cream parlour can work wonders.

4. Mark their progress

Everyone likes to know that they have made progress. Kids included. As parents it’s important that we encourage them the right way. Try interesting things like graphs or even charts, which you can pin on their study board. Stickers will be the best way to show them their progress. Consider a PSLE English lesson, if they got 10 MCQs right last week and 15 right this week, allot them a sticker for every two extra answers they get right.

5. Let them play

Monotony can be a big deterrent to your kid’s progress. Therefore asking them to study and solve PSLE papers all the time may not be as productive as you would have hoped. By breaking the routine and asking them to play could be a better way to increase their concentration. Time their breaks, so for every two hours devoted to study, they could have half an hour of playtime or even television time. This way they will be able to enjoy themselves and study with enhanced concentration.

Scolding your kids and forcing them to do something that they are not comfortable with will only make them more aversive to it. Be supportive and encourage them. More importantly make it known to them that you love them, no matter how they fair. This way they are more likely to perform better in their PSLE papers.