Best Practices to Prepare Your Child for PSLE Maths and Science - Guidelines from Our Expert

Preparing children for the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) can be an important and sometimes daunting task for both parents and students. As the PSLE is a significant milestone in a child’s academic journey, it is natural for parents and guardians to seek guidance on how best to support their children during this crucial period. To address the commonly asked questions and concerns surrounding PSLE preparation, we have enlisted the help of Lee Meng Hui, education consultant from Koobits, to provide valuable insights and practical advice by answering the questions asked at the webinar, “Never Too Early to Prepare for PSLE: A Guide for Parents in Preparing Children for the Exam.”

Lee shares tips on the various strategies and resources that can aid parents in effectively preparing their children for the PSLE, ensuring they approach the examination with confidence and achieve their full potential.

How to Motivate Your Child

When my child does exam practice papers, he is very focussed on the score and gets very upset and demoralised when he doesn’t do well. How do I help him understand that he should learn from the mistakes he makes and not the score he gets?

Firstly, I commend your positive attitude towards your son’s learning. However, it’s essential to help him understand that learning from his mistakes is more valuable than focusing solely on his exam scores at this stage.

Encourage your son to shift his mindset from being demoralised by a low score to seeing it as an opportunity for growth. Assure him that making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process and that they provide valuable insights into areas that need improvement.

Instead of fixating on the score, encourage him to review his mistakes and identify the underlying concepts or skills he needs to work on. Help him see that learning from these mistakes will benefit him far more in his learning journey than the score itself.

Promote a growth mindset by highlighting the progress he has made over time. Celebrate his efforts and improvements, regardless of the score. Encourage him to set realistic goals and focus on personal growth rather than comparing himself to others.

Remind your son that exams are just one measure of his abilities and that his true potential extends beyond a single score. Foster a love for learning and encourage a curiosity-driven approach, embracing challenges and seeing setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve.

Keep supporting and motivating your son along his learning journey. Your belief in his abilities and dedication to his growth will significantly impact his mindset and long-term success.

My Primary 6 child has no sense of urgency and is taking it very easily even with PSLE barely months away. She has the potential to do better only if she is more diligent. What can I do?

I understand your concerns about your P6 daughter’s lack of urgency and seemingly relaxed attitude towards the upcoming PSLE. It’s natural to feel worried and stressed in such a situation. However, it’s important to approach this with a balanced perspective and provide the necessary support to help your daughter perform to her fullest potential.

Firstly, it’s essential to have open and honest communication with your daughter about the importance of the PSLE and its impact on her future opportunities. Help her understand the significance of putting in her best effort and the benefits of being diligent in her studies.

Creating a conducive study environment at home is crucial. Establish a routine that includes dedicated study time, breaks, and balancing academics and leisure activities. Provide her with the necessary resources, such as practice papers, online learning tools and assessment books, to support her learning.

Additionally, focus on her strengths and areas of improvement. Identify specific subjects or topics where she may need additional support by analysing her work from Term 1. Consider seeking help from her teachers. Finally, encourage her to set realistic goals and break down her study tasks into manageable chunks, helping her stay motivated and focused.

Remembering that every child has their own pace and learning style is important. While it’s natural to want the best for your daughter, excessive stress and pressure may have a counterproductive effect. Support and encourage her while also promoting a healthy work-life balance.

Lastly, take care of your well-being, too. Find ways to manage your stress and anxieties, such as engaging in self-care activities or seeking support from friends, family, or professionals. Your calm and positive demeanour can positively influence your daughter’s mindset and approach to her studies.

Remember, success is not solely defined by grades but also by personal growth, resilience, and a love for learning. With your guidance, support, and belief in your daughter’s abilities, she will have a better chance of reaching her potential.

My girl has no anxiety about the PSLE, and she has only had one exam in Primary 5. This is PSLE year and her performance is around AL5-AL6.  What should I do?

I understand your concerns regarding your daughter’s limited exam experience and the upcoming PSLE. However, rest assured that most schools prioritise preparing their students for the PSLE during Term 3.

Schools typically provide ample opportunities for exam conditioning and practice during this crucial period. They often administer mock exams, conduct revision sessions, and offer guidance on exam strategies and techniques. These activities are designed to help students become familiar with the exam format and build confidence in tackling different questions.

Schools may also provide targeted support and interventions to address specific areas of improvement. Teachers are dedicated to supporting student’s academic progress and work closely with them to ensure they are well-prepared for the PSLE.

In addition, here are some suggestions for you to support your girl’s PSLE preparation more:

1. Create a structured study plan: Establish a consistent study routine that includes focused revision, practice papers, and time for relaxation. A study schedule with specific goals and deadlines can create a sense of purpose and urgency.
2. Identify learning gaps: Assess her strengths and weaknesses in different subjects. Provide targeted support or consider seeking additional resources or tutoring if needed.
3. Build exam skills: Familiarise her with exam formats and requirements. Practice time management, answering techniques, and effective strategies for each subject.
4. Provide emotional support: Help her manage any anxiety or stress that may arise. Encourage open communication, offer reassurance, and promote a positive mindset.
5. Celebrate achievements: Recognise her efforts and progress, not just the final outcome. Encourage a growth mindset that values continuous improvement.

Remember, every child’s journey is unique. Focus on her holistic development and well-being while working towards academic goals. With your guidance, support, and belief in her abilities, she can navigate this PSLE year with confidence and success.

We celebrate successes, but after giving my kid praise and encouragement, he tends to become overly confident and lax that the next test result dips. Also, my kid has a habit of cramming the revision a day or two before the subject’s exam.

I assure you that you are not alone in facing these challenges. Over my years of teaching, I have observed many similar cases and understand the importance of providing the proper support and guidance.

It’s great that you recognise the importance of recognition and praise in positive learning. The key is to ensure that our actions after praising the child differentiate the outcome. Here are some suggestions to address the issues you mentioned:

1. Foster a growth mindset: Encourage your child to see success as a result of effort and perseverance rather than innate abilities. Emphasise the value of consistent effort and continuous improvement.
2. Set realistic expectations: Help your child understand the importance of consistent effort and effective time management. Please encourage them to prioritise their studies and allocate dedicated time for revision and preparation.
3. Establish a study routine: Create a structured schedule for regular and consistent revision. Break down revisions into manageable chunks and spread them over an extended period to avoid last-minute cramming.
4. Provide ongoing support: Be actively involved in your child’s learning journey. Offer guidance, monitor their progress, and provide constructive feedback. Celebrate their efforts and improvements, highlighting the importance of sustained dedication and focus.

By nurturing a balanced approach to learning, including effective time management and staying focused, you can help your child develop self-motivation and achieve better outcomes in their studies.

I don’t want to keep using rewards to motivate my boy to study and do well. How to help him see that his success is for his own good?

I understand your concern about relying on rewards to motivate your son’s studies. While rewards can be helpful in the short term, it’s essential to help him develop intrinsic motivation for long-term success. Here are some suggestions:

1. Foster a sense of purpose: Help your son understand the importance and relevance of his studies in his own life. Connect his learning to real-life examples and future aspirations. He will be more motivated to succeed when he sees the value in his learning.
2. Set meaningful goals: Work with your son to set specific and achievable goals. Break them down into smaller milestones, and celebrate each milestone he achieves. This sense of progress and accomplishment will fuel his intrinsic motivation.
3. Encourage autonomy and ownership: Involve your son in decision-making processes regarding his studies. Give him choices and let him take responsibility for his learning. He will be more motivated to succeed when he feels a sense of ownership over his education.
4. Cultivate a love for learning: Help your son discover the joy of learning. Encourage him to explore topics of interest, read books, engage in hands-on activities, and ask questions. When learning becomes a source of enjoyment, he will be motivated to pursue knowledge for its own sake.
5. Provide constructive feedback: Focus on growth and improvement rather than just grades, helping him reflect on progress.

By implementing these strategies, you can help your son understand that his success is driven by personal growth and fulfilment, not just external rewards. Of course, it’s a gradual process, but he can develop intrinsic motivation with your support.

My Primary 5 boy is totally not interested in his studies at all, especially math problems and sum. He went for tuition also, but that did not help much. How do I motivate him?

Firstly, it’s important to remember that every child has a unique learning style and pace. So here are some suggestions to help rekindle your son’s interest in studying and tackling Math problem sums:

1. Identify the root cause: Talk to your son to understand why he feels disinterested in studying. It could be related to the teaching method, difficulty level, or other underlying factors. This will help you address the underlying issues more effectively.
2. Make it relatable and practical: Connect Math concepts to real-life situations to make them more engaging and relevant. Show him how Math is used in everyday life, such as shopping, sports, or the games he enjoys playing.
3. Engage through interactive learning: Explore educational activities or online platforms that offer interactive and engaging learning experiences. Some resources provide hands-on exploration and practice opportunities to improve problem-solving skills.
4. Strengthen topical understanding or heuristics approaches: Focus on building a solid foundation and mastering key Math concepts. Consider utilising heuristics approaches to tackle problem sums effectively.
5. Foster a growth mindset: Encourage effort, perseverance, and learning from mistakes. Celebrate small achievements and progress, emphasising that mistakes are valuable opportunities for growth and improvement.

Remember, every child is unique, so it may take time to find the right approach. Stay patient and supportive, and maintain open communication with his teachers for a collaborative effort to help him regain interest and excel in his studies.

I feel learning Chinese is very important, but it is really hard compared to maths and science. How do I help my child to equally focus on each subject?

To effectively focus and distribute your child’s attention among different subjects, consider the following strategies: 

1. Understand strengths and weaknesses: Recognise your child’s unique abilities and preferences for each subject. Then, tailor their learning approach accordingly.
2. Prioritise based on objectives and requirements: Consider learning objectives and any specific needs to allocate time and effort to each subject. 
3. Create a schedule and set goals: Develop a study schedule with dedicated time and clear goals for each subject. These goals can relate to completing practice exercises, mastering specific concepts, or achieving certain milestones – clear goals to provide focus and motivation.
4. Break down study sessions: Encourage manageable study sessions with breaks between subjects to maintain focus. 
5. Leverage technology and resources: Explore interactive online learning tools to supplement traditional materials, making learning more engaging and enjoyable for your child. 

Remember, each child is unique. Observe their progress, listen to their feedback, and adjust their study routine and approach as needed. A supportive and encouraging environment is crucial for their motivation and engagement.

Learning Tips and Tools to Improve Your Child’s Study Habits

When should I start PSLE preparation? 

Striking a balance between timely PSLE preparation and your child’s overall well-being is crucial. Therefore, while intense preparation usually starts in P6, laying a strong foundation in P5 is essential.

During P5, students are exposed to the key concepts and topics that form the basis of the PSLE syllabus. Therefore, it is an opportune time to consolidate their understanding and address knowledge gaps. By identifying areas where your child may need additional support and providing timely intervention, you can help them stay on track towards becoming a top performer.

In addition to covering content, foster a love for learning and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Encourage active class engagement, participation, and effective study habits.

Discuss the school’s teaching approach with your child’s teachers. Understand syllabus pacing and its alignment with PSLE requirements. Collaboration between parents, teachers, and students is vital for a well-rounded preparation strategy.

Remember, each child is unique. Regularly assess their progress, strengths, and areas for improvement. Tailor preparation accordingly. Balance academic studies with a healthy lifestyle, rest, and recreation for their long-term success.

Is it good to engage in learning activities online?

When used appropriately, online learning can be valuable for your child’s learning journey. Here are four benefits of online learning: 

1. Access to diverse resources: Online platforms offer various educational materials such as interactive lessons, videos, and practice exercises. These resources supplement your child’s learning, provide additional explanations, and encourage independent exploration. 
2. Flexibility and convenience: Online learning allows for flexible scheduling, enabling your child to learn at their own pace and convenience. It eliminates the need for commuting and allows learning from anywhere with an internet connection. 
3. Engaging and interactive experiences: Many online learning platforms incorporate interactive features that make learning enjoyable. These elements motivate your child, boost engagement, and provide a sense of accomplishment as they progress through activities and challenges. 
4. Personalised learning: Online platforms often use adaptive technology to tailor the learning experience to your child’s needs. This personalised approach helps them focus on areas that require attention and allows them to advance at their own pace. 

While online learning offers benefits, parents must monitor and guide their child’s online activities. Here are some tips: 

1. Set clear guidelines and time limits for online learning. 
2. Ensure a safe online environment by using trusted platforms and monitoring internet usage. 
3. Encourage a balanced approach by incorporating offline activities and social interactions into their learning routine. 

By implementing these strategies, you can maximise online learning while ensuring your child’s well-rounded education. 

There are so many assessment books by topics available in the market. How do I determine which ones are worth getting?

When choosing assessment books, it’s crucial to consider your child’s learning requirements. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Alignment with curriculum: Ensure that the assessment books align with your child’s curriculum. Look for books that cover the specific topics and skills they are learning in school.
2. Quality of content: Assess the quality of the content in the books. Seek recommendations from teachers, fellow parents, or educational platforms to identify reputable publishers known for their comprehensive and accurate content.
3. Match learning needs: Consider your child’s specific learning needs. Whether they require books that offer a diverse range of question types with a gradual increase in content complexity, or If they require support with specific question types or difficulty levels, look for books that specifically address those areas. Tailoring the resources to your child’s needs can enhance their learning experience.

Additionally, explore online resources and platforms that offer interactive practice exercises and personalised assessments. These can provide a more engaging and adaptive learning experience for your child.

How do we find relevant scientific set-up questions?

Here are some suggestions to find relevant scientific set-up questions:

1. School learning material: Review your child’s workbooks/worksheets and any supplementary materials provided by their school. These resources often include a variety of scientific set-up questions that align with the curriculum.
2. Online learning tools: Explore educational websites, digital platforms, and interactive learning tools specifically designed for Science. These resources offer a wide range of practice questions and simulations to enhance your child’s understanding of scientific set-ups.
3. Assessment books: Consider using assessment books that focus on Science and provide a comprehensive collection of questions. Look for books that cover different scientific set-ups and offer clear explanations to help your child grasp the concepts effectively.
4. Past year school exam papers: Accessing past year school exam papers can benefit your child’s preparation. These papers often contain various scientific set-up questions previously tested in exams, allowing your child to practice and familiarise themselves with the questions that examiners may ask.

Is there a sample routine of 21 days to help my child prepare for the PSLE?

Here’s some general guidance on forming a new routine over 21 days:

1. Plan: Start by identifying the areas where you would like to implement changes in your child’s routine. For example, consider adjusting their sleeping time earlier before the PSLE exams.
2. Gradual transition: Begin by gradually moving their bedtime earlier each night, aiming for the desired sleeping time for the exam period. For instance, if their bedtime is 10 PM, you can shift it to 9:30 PM for the first few days, then 9 PM, and so on.
3. Consistency is critical: Maintain the new bedtime consistently for at least 21 days, reinforcing the importance of a good night’s sleep for optimal exam performance. Encourage winding down activities, such as reading or relaxation exercises, that help them prepare for sleep.
4. Monitor progress: Observe how your child adjusts to the new sleeping routine and make necessary adjustments. Please support them by creating a conducive sleep environment and ensuring they have sufficient time for restful sleep.

By following these general principles and adapting them to your child’s needs, you can create a routine that promotes his/her well-being and sets him/her up for success. It’s important to note that 21 days is the minimum required period for adapting to a new routine. However, it’s highly encouraged for parents and kids to plan for a more extended period if their schedule allows.

Additional time beyond 21 days allows for a more gradual and effective adjustment, increasing the chances of successfully integrating the new routine into their daily lives. In addition, it provides ample opportunity for your child to become familiar with the changes and develop a sense of comfort and consistency.

What should be the proportion for rest, play, and work?

It’s essential to strike a balance that supports their overall well-being. While the specific proportion may vary based on age and individual needs, here are some general guidelines: 

1. Rest: Ensure your child receives sufficient sleep based on age. Most children aged 6-12 require 9-11 hours of sleep per night to support growth, learning, and overall health. 
2. Work: Dedicate focused study periods for academic tasks. Consider your child’s workload and goals, breaking work into manageable chunks. Encourage efficient study habits while ensuring ample play and rest time. 
3. Play: Children need to have downtime for relaxation and self-reflection. Encourage at least one hour of “me time” daily, where your child can engage in activities they enjoy and recharge. It’s crucial to prioritise playtime for younger learners as it fosters creativity, social skills, and cognitive development. Unstructured play allows your child to explore, imagine, and interact with others. 

Remember, flexibility is vital as every child is unique. So first, be mindful of your child’s needs, preferences, and energy levels. Then, regularly assess and adjust the rest, play, and work proportion to create a well-rounded routine that supports their holistic development.

How do we help the kid handle science application and experiment questions, and also be able to give all the keywords needed to get the full marks?

Achieving full marks in science application and experiment questions can be challenging. Here are some strategies to support your child:

1. Practise and Familiarise: Encourage your child to practice science questions by topic. This will help them become more comfortable with different question formats and concepts tested.
2. Identify Science Concepts: Train your child to identify the specific science concept(s) being assessed in each question. This will enable them to focus their answer on the relevant content.
3. Increase Exposure: Expose your child to a wider variety of scientific set-ups, experiments, and real-life applications. This exposure will broaden their understanding of how scientific concepts are applied and strengthen their ability to tackle related questions.

For open-ended questions, I recommend a four-step approach:

1. Step (I) Read and Identify: Have your child carefully read the question to identify the topic or concept being tested. This step sets the foundation for a targeted response.
2. Step (II) Key Words in the Question: Teach your child to identify the keywords or phrases in the question. These words often provide clues about what the examiner is looking for in the answer.
3. Step (III) Key Words in the Answer: Guide your child to identify the keywords or phrases they should include in their response. This ensures they address the specific requirements of the question. Encourage your child to write down the identified keywords before step 4. This practice helps them crystallise their thoughts and maintain clarity throughout their response.
4. Step (IV) Answer in Full Sentences: Encourage your child to answer in complete sentences. This demonstrates a thorough understanding of the concepts and increases the chances of receiving full marks.

Many students miss full marks because they overlook essential steps (usually II and III). Reminding your child to remember the identification of concepts and keywords in their responses is crucial. By implementing these strategies and practising regularly, your child will develop the skills and confidence needed to excel in science applications and experiment questions.

To prepare my Primary 5 child for the PSLE, do I need to sign up for all subject tuition?

Thank you for reaching out and seeking guidance on preparing your child for the PSLE next year. It’s great that you’re thinking ahead and planning for their success. Here are some suggestions to help you prepare:

1. Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: Identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses in each subject. This will help you prioritise their areas of improvement and tailor their study plan accordingly.
2. Focus on Progress, not just Grades: Celebrate your child’s progress and effort instead of solely focusing on achieving high grades. Please encourage them to set personal goals and strive for continuous improvement.
3. Develop a Study Plan: Create a plan incorporating regular revision, practice, and breaks. Allocate dedicated time slots for each subject, ensuring sufficient coverage of key topics. Prioritise challenging areas while still maintaining a balanced approach.
4. Emphasise Understanding over Memorisation: Encourage your child to understand concepts deeply rather than relying solely on memorisation. This will enhance their problem-solving skills and help them tackle various questions effectively.
5. Set Realistic Goals: Help your child set realistic goals for the PSLE. Break down the goals into smaller, manageable targets that they can work towards. This will provide them with a sense of direction and motivation throughout their preparation.

Remember, tuition should never be compulsory. Each child is unique, and while some may benefit from additional support, others may thrive with proper guidance and independent studying. It’s crucial to find the approach that works best for your child.

Final Thoughts on PSLE Preparedness

Are girls weaker in Maths than boys when they are in primary school?

Recent research indicates that the gender gap in maths performance diminishes over time. In fact, according to a report by UNESCO, girls are now performing as strongly as boys in mathematics in the classroom. In some countries, girls even outperform boys in this subject.

While boys may appear to perform better than girls in maths during the early years, this difference does not indicate inherent ability. Factors such as encouragement, biases, and stereotypes can influence learning outcomes. However, it’s important to note that these factors are gradually being addressed to create a more inclusive learning environment.

Researchers use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to analyse brain activity in children aged three to 10 watching maths-related videos. The research revealed that boys and girls engaged in similar neural networks in their brains while learning maths. This suggests that there is no biological basis for boys being inherently better at maths than girls during the crucial years of mathematical development.

In summary, both boys and girls can excel in mathematics. Therefore, it is essential to provide equal opportunities, support, and encouragement to all students, regardless of gender, to foster their interest and confidence in maths.

I shared with my child that I failed my PSLE and went to ITE. I struggled for many years and finally graduated from a local university. However, my child didn’t seem to understand the hardship I went through. How can I help my child understand?

I commend you on your incredible educational journey and the perseverance it took to overcome challenges to graduate from a local university. Your story is truly inspiring and serves as a powerful example for others.

To help your child understand the difficulties you faced, consider the following approaches:

1. Open Communication: Have honest conversations about your experiences. Share personal stories, emphasising the challenges you encountered and how you overcame them. Please encourage your child to ask questions and express their thoughts.
2. Relate to Their Experiences: Connect your struggles to situations your child can relate to. Highlight instances where they faced obstacles and the effort they put into achieving something. Drawing parallels can help them understand the dedication required for success.
3. Provide Context and Perspective: Explain how your experiences shaped you as a person, the lessons you learned, and the opportunities that came from them. This broader understanding can deepen their appreciation for your efforts.
4. Encourage Empathy and Gratitude: Prompt your child to imagine themselves in your shoes and consider the challenges you face. Cultivate empathy and gratitude by highlighting the support and opportunities that contributed to your achievements.

Remember, understanding the depth of your experiences may take time for your child. However, being patient, maintaining ongoing dialogue, and demonstrating your resilience can help them gradually grasp the magnitude of your journey.

About the Expert:

Lee Meng Hui is an exceptional Senior Education Consultant at Koobits, a company that prides itself on being built by a team of dedicated and experienced technologists, educators, innovators, dreamers, parents, and passionate life-long learners. Koobits leverages years of experience, extensive research, and innovative technologies to provide innovative learning solutions to students worldwide.