Amanda Birkenstock, Executive Principal at Crawford International School, Kenya

As parents, we eagerly watch our children attempt and reach their milestones from birth. One significant milestone often fills us with excitement and apprehension is their school assessments. Regardless of when these formal assessments start, students and parents will face new expectations in terms of planning, studying, commitment and scope of work that needs to be mastered – amounting to moving up to the next level in students’ academic journey.

While a good performance in formal assessments should be planned and worked towards, parents also need to realize that the experience of the journey of studying and preparing at this time will make a substantial impact on the child’s approach to exams in the future, when adult assistance and guidance will not be available, or even desirable.

Three factors lay the groundwork for developing a successful study foundationa to help empower and support young students during this crucial time and in the future. One is cultivating a positive mindset and atmosphere where parents play a crucial role in shaping their children’s mindset toward exams.

Kiambu school flies students to Mombasa for holiday trip

When parents approach tests with anxiety, or pressure, kids absorb those emotions. Instead, they should exemplify a positive attitude, sharing personal exam experiences emphasizing growth and learning. Encourage your child to see exams as a chance to demonstrate their knowledge and abilities.

Second factor is organization and preparation, effective study is supported by the creation of a clutter-free, dedicated study zone over which the student can feel some ‘ownership’, to set the stage for focused learning. Ensure it is free from distractions like mobile phones, or TV.

Help your child break down the work, as large tasks can overwhelm anyone, but especially young students. Help them section the exam requirements into manageable pieces, and guide them in terms of creating summaries and flash cards (without doing the job for them!).

Celebrate small victories every day. Each section completed is progress toward success, and reduces the need for anxiety-ridden cramming the day, or weekend before the exam.

Motivate your child to create a practice of writing and illustrating keywords during study sessions. This process enhances memory retention. Whether they are jotting down essential points, solving math problems, or practicing spelling, the act of writing helps consolidate understanding. At this stage, relying solely on textbook reading for revision is no longer an effective strategy for success.

The last factor is goal setting and effort put in throughout the process. Assessments in primary school are important in terms of performance, but in the earlier years, laying the foundation for future years is even more important. This is the time to show your child how to determine and set achievable goals, to provide direction and motivation.

Teach your child that effort matters and that hard work pays off. Anxiety may still creep in, but consistently putting in the work, a little bit every day at this stage, helps students feel more empowered.

Parents possess the tools to unlock their child’s potential. Preparing together for a student’s assessments represents a significant learning phase and a milestone in their educational path. By nurturing a positive mindset, promoting organization, and highlighting effort, we empower them to excel in their exams. Simultaneously, we instil in them the mindset of lifelong learners who maintain positivity even when faced with challenges.