As we approach the last few weeks of Term 3, many of our families will be experiencing an increase in the amount of time students need to spend on preparation for assessment tasks and study for tests and examinations. Year 11, in particular, are heading into an important exam block next week and Year 12 are making final preparations for the HSC exams. Not surprisingly, this can be the cause of some stress at home as students feel the pressure of completing everything and doing their best. It also provides an important opportunity for us as parents and carers to help support our children through these challenges.

Here are some reminders about how you can help at home:

• Where possible, try and create a designated study space for your children to use
• Make the workload more manageable by encouraging them to use their diary and record important due dates
• Support your child to create a study & homework schedule that includes allocations of time to before and after school, after dinner and weekends. Help them to work around their other commitments and identify times during each week that they can devote to their school work
• Check that they are taking effective notes and summarising what they need to know for assessments
• Help them to practise for tests and experiment with different learning techniques e.g. use flash cards or ask them to explain aloud what they know about particular topics
• Make sure your child knows how to ask for help when they need it and don’t hesitate to reach out to teachers for advice
• Help them to avoid distractions e.g. by putting other devices away while they are studying
• Encourage them to break up their study sessions and take breaks… Remind them to make time to relax, have fun or do something they enjoy
• Support them to get enough sleep, eat well and get some exercise

And remember…

“The best message parents can give to their child about homework is to make sure they understand that it’s their responsibility and that they’re doing it for their own learning. Not for you, not for their teacher, not for the purpose of beating other kids in their class. This is one of the most important lessons your child can learn in school and at home: You read and study to make yourself a better person.” Dr Pasi Sahlberg, Professor of Education, UNSW

God bless
Angela Myles