How to help your child prepare Created by Rosalie Griffith, Anh Lam & Bill Thorne (Westview S.S) EXAMS

TIMELINE Start reviewing for the exam EARLY ! (about two-three weeks before the exam day) this will help you avoid stress/panic Allot about 45 minutes -- 1 hour per day to review each topic/key concepts taught PRIORITIZE study time based on difficulty and when the exam occurs in the schedule WEEK(S) BEFORE ➞ DAY BEFORE ➞ DAY OF

WEEK(S) BEFORE

7. Organize and ensure that you have all class notes

WEEK(S) BEFORE cont’d… Pay attention to what is being emphasized in class Ask: exam format, weighting, pages, length, total marks, units of focus, etc.

STUDY SHEET CREATION

STUDY SHEET CREATION cont’d …

STUDY SHEET CREATION Prepare a checklist of major topics Using notes, textbook and course outline Organize the information into categories Vocabulary terms, Formulas, Diagrams Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 3 Use graphic organizers Charts, Cause ➔ Effect Be selective Reduce information to key ideas and concepts (write down key words and phrases) Limited examples

STUDY SHEET CREATION cont’d… Use rhymes, acronyms and mnemonics

USING STUDY TIME

Repetition Review often and out loud Transfers information from short term memory to long term memory Rehearse out loud Hearing and sight both help your memory Transfers from short to long term memory faster Helps you to detect weaknesses Assign a number

USING STUDY TIME cont’d… Get organized Study sheet Connect information to something you already know and understand Get interested Turning information into personal interest will make it easier to retain Connect information to long term goals (ex. Career) Intend to remember If you decide to remember, you will

USING STUDY TIME cont’d … Keep it short Straight memory work should be minutes at a time Review right before bed Brain continues to process information

USING STUDY TIME cont’d…

CONCENTRATION

CONCENTRATION TIPS

CONCENTRATION TIPS cont’d…

DAY BEFORE

Remember to NOT to stay up late the day before the exam. You do NOT want to fall asleep or blank out during your exam !

Last Minute Cramming Cramming isn’t learning !

CRAMMING

CRAMMING cont’d…

DAY OF…

DAY OF EXAM Eat a healthy breakfast Be at school EARLY at least 15 minutes before the exam start BE PREPARED: Bring pens, pencil, calculator, ruler … Bring Kleenex, watch, book for afterwards Manage your time Set goals for time for the different sections Do not spend too much time on any one question Relax and just try your best!

SUBJECT AREAS

REVIEW: project assembly steps past projects and assignments repeated instructions procedures Safety Shop

cont’d… To start, use your class notes and key concepts at the end of each section/chapter from your textbook to compile a summary page of formulas and definitions for each unit, including a clear title and subtitle for each section ( i.e. Title: Analytic Geometry, subtitle: Length formula, Midpoint formula …)

Go over your class notes and review details of the steps to follow when solving each particular type of problem Solve sample questions and problems for each concept cont’d…

Do all Cumulative Exam Review questions This will help ensure that you can still remember and apply each concepts learned on your own Identify areas of difficulty and seek extra help EARLY Work with a study buddy, it helps! cont’d…

Find out format (guides studying) Multiple choice, matching, problems, short answer, diagrams, long answer “SECOND GUESS” your teacher Know weaknesses Ask for extra help early Find out what materials are provided Periodic table, formula sheet, etc.

cont’d… Review past tests, quizzes Create study sheet (minimal pages ex. 1-5) Carry it with you at all times Use all available time

(Skill Application Exams)

Find out the format of the upcoming exam Find out materials required Pen vs. pencil Dictionaries Class textbooks cont’d…

Review texts Character names Setting names Review key quotes Review writing steps Review past writing assignments for feedback Think of questions/themes of exam “SECOND GUESS” your teacher Prepare outlines of potential questions

Quiet space for study Know the exam STUDY schedule How is your child preparing? Remind students to get extra help for difficult subjects Help with practice Ask questions from tests and study sheet Know the exam schedule Reminder of exam times Remind students to sleep, eat breakfast, and leave early