Some studies have shown that the exact relationship varies, with some research pointing to student motivation having a larger impact. Other factors also matter—like quality of schooling, parental education and skills, as well as students’ perceptions of themselves. Whether your child is approaching the PSLE in the near future or a few years down the line, it’s always a question of how to prepare for PSLE.
As a part of Singapore Parenting Festivals 2023 last May, panels in the webinar “Never Too Early to Prepare for PSLE” provide valuable insights on preparing for the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE), supporting children’s emotional well-being during the PSLE journey, and relationship building principles.
The panel also discussed effective strategies for exam preparation, supporting your child’s PSLE preparation, and nurturing your child’s emotional well-being and academic growth.
This discussion featured Annabelle Chow, a principal clinical psychologist in Anabelle Psychology, also she is registered with the Singapore Register of Psychologists (SRP) and accredited by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). And Lee Meng Hui, a Senior Education Consultant.
Supporting Children’s Emotional Well-being during the PSLE Journey
Finding a way on how to prepare for PSLE (Primary School Leaving Examination) can be a challenging and stressful time for both children and parents.
As the landscape evolves, the emotional aspects of supporting children through this process become increasingly important. This aims to shed light on the emotional aspects of the PSLE journey and provide insights from expert Dr. Annabelle.
Understanding the emotional challenges faced by children and recognising the signs of anxiety can help parents navigate this journey more effectively.
In Singapore, a significant number of students, around 76%, report feeling anxious even when adequately prepared for the PSLE. Tension and the desire to excel academically affect nearly 60% of students during their study period.
Dr. Annabelle highlights a shift in recent years, where children feel the pressure to perform well internally, driven by self-expectations and competition with peers.
Sibling comparisons and the desire to match the achievements of older siblings also contribute to the emotional burden faced by children during the PSLE.
Recognizing Anxiety in Children
Parents need to be aware of signs of anxiety in their children. These may include a loss of interest in activities, declining concentration levels, physical symptoms like stomach aches and headaches, disturbed sleep patterns, changes in appetite, and even bedwetting in young children.
It’s important to distinguish between everyday stress and clinical anxiety or depression. Clinical diagnosis requires the presence of multiple symptoms affecting daily functioning, warranting professional intervention.
Understanding Anxiety Disorders
If diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, the child experiences excessive anxiety for at least six months, manifesting in various situations.
Physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, chest pain, and breathlessness may lead parents to seek medical attention.
Once medical conditions are ruled out, it becomes apparent that anxiety disorders are treatable with therapeutic approaches and, if necessary, medication.
Building Emotional Resilience
Dr. Annabelle emphasizes the crucial role of parents and caregivers in supporting children’s emotional well-being during the PSLE journey.
Recognizing the brain’s development as a “house under construction,” she explains that children’s brains continue to evolve until adulthood.
Therefore, it is unrealistic to expect them to handle stress and complex concepts with the same proficiency as adults. Parents can support their children by building secure and healthy relationships with them.
The Power of Relationships
Establishing a strong parent-child relationship is key to navigating the PSLE journey. While children develop their independence and opinions, having a solid foundation of trust and understanding is essential.
Parents are advised to be present and actively engaged in their child’s life, setting aside distractions such as mobile phones.
By being attentive and responsive, parents can create an open and supportive environment where children feel comfortable expressing their concerns and stress.
Supporting children’s emotional well-being during the PSLE journey is crucial for their overall development. Acknowledging the prevalence of anxiety and understanding the signs and symptoms can help parents identify and address emotional challenges effectively.
By fostering strong parent-child relationships and creating a supportive environment, parents can help their children navigate the stresses of the PSLE journey and foster emotional resilience that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Relationship Building Principles
In today’s fast-paced world, it can be challenging for parents to effectively connect with their children and provide the necessary support to help them navigate stressful situations.
This article explores key points shared by an unknown speaker regarding the importance of being present, spending quality time, modelling healthy responses to emotions, and fostering values and resilience in children.
By understanding and implementing these principles, parents can create a nurturing environment that promotes emotional well-being and encourages healthy habits in their children.
Being Present and Quality Time
Simply being physically present is not enough; parents need to actively engage with their children to build trust and respect.
By spending quality time together, parents can forge a strong connection and establish open lines of communication. It is crucial to make this time enjoyable and fun, rather than solely focused on academic work.
By incorporating activities that align with the child’s interests and promoting a positive atmosphere, parents can strengthen their bond with their children.
Modelling Healthy Responses to Emotions
Children, especially during their developmental years, may struggle to regulate their emotions effectively. It is essential for parents to model healthy responses to stress and demonstrate empathy towards their children’s emotional experiences.
Rather than adding to the turmoil, parents can provide a calm and supportive presence, helping their children identify their emotions and offering coping strategies such as taking a walk or practising deep breathing.
By exhibiting healthy responses, parents can teach their children valuable skills for managing stress throughout their lives.
How to Prepare for PSLE? Manage Our Narrative
1. Instilling Values and Resilience
The best way on how to prepare for PSLE is by having standardized exams like PSL II, which should extend beyond academic performance.
Parents should view these milestones as opportunities to impart values like perseverance, curiosity, and resilience.
By encouraging children to develop their strengths, celebrating small successes, and fostering healthy competition within themselves, parents can help their children grow into confident individuals who are better equipped to handle future obstacles.
2. Avoiding Unhealthy Comparisons
Comparisons with others, whether neighbours, classmates, or siblings, can have detrimental effects on a child’s self-esteem and confidence.
Parents should create an environment that focuses on personal growth and development rather than fostering unhealthy competition.
Instead of comparing results, parents can help their children set individual goals and emphasize personal improvement.
By shifting the focus from external comparisons to internal growth, parents can support their children’s self-esteem and foster a positive mindset.
Nurturing emotional well-being and promoting healthy habits in children requires active engagement, modelling healthy responses to emotions, instilling values, avoiding comparisons, and prioritizing essential foundations.
By incorporating these principles into their parenting approach, parents can create a positive and supportive environment that allows their children to develop resilience, thrive academically, and navigate the challenges of life with confidence.
3. Practical Ways to Support
Maintaining essential foundations, including adequate sleep, regular exercise, proper nutrition, and playtime, is crucial for a child’s overall well-being.
However, many children are not getting sufficient sleep, which can lead to difficulties in emotional regulation and learning. Parents should prioritize ensuring their children get the recommended nine to eleven hours of sleep each night.
Play is also vital for a child’s development, as it fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, and social interaction. Parents should encourage and support their children’s interests and engage in various types of play that align with their preferences.
During times of heightened stress, it is important for parents to adapt their communication approach. Instead of focusing solely on outcomes and results, parents should emphasize the process and actively engage with their children.
Using positive and present-focused language, such as acknowledging their effort and helping them identify their emotions at the moment, can foster a supportive and nurturing environment.
By modifying communication dynamics, parents can create a more conducive atmosphere for their children to thrive.
How to Prepare for PSLE? Effective Strategies for Exam
Preparing for exams can be a challenging task, especially for parents who want to support their children effectively. In a recent discussion, various key points were raised by an unknown speaker that shed light on practical approaches to exam preparation.
This article aims to highlight these essential strategies for parents to help their children excel academically.
From emphasizing understanding over memorization to creating a conducive learning environment, these techniques can contribute to effective exam readiness.
1. Start Early, but Focus on Learning
When it comes to exam preparation, it is crucial to strike a balance. Starting early allows children to develop good study habits, but the focus should be on fostering a love for learning and promoting curiosity. Research suggests that excessive emphasis on exam techniques and shortcuts can be counterproductive, particularly at a younger age. Parents are encouraged to create opportunities for their children to explore diverse subjects and interests during their early years, which will lay a strong foundation for future academic success.
2. Make Learning Fun and Subconscious
Learning becomes most effective when it doesn’t feel like work. Parents should aim to create an environment where children engage in enjoyable learning experiences.
Engaging in educational games, such as word association or puzzles, during car rides or leisure time can enhance vocabulary and cognitive skills without the child even realizing they are actively learning.
Studies have shown that subconscious learning through enjoyable activities yields significant results.
3. Encourage Critical Thinking and Decision-Making
Parents play a vital role in developing their child’s ability to think critically and make decisions.
Instead of providing immediate answers, it is beneficial to guide children by asking thought-provoking questions and encouraging them to find solutions independently.
This approach promotes their ability to present their thoughts and opinions with confidence. Developing these skills from a young age cultivates a valuable asset for their future academic and personal growth.
4. Emphasize Understanding over Memorization
Rather than focusing solely on memorizing facts and formulas, parents should prioritize understanding concepts. In the Singapore math curriculum, which can be extensive, it is suggested to divide and conquer by dedicating specific timeframes to individual topics.
This approach allows for a deeper understanding of each subject matter, making the learning process more manageable and effective.
Celebrating small wins and setting achievable goals also contribute to sustained motivation and progress.
5. Customize Exam Preparation
Exam papers can serve as valuable tools for exam conditioning, but they are most useful when a child has a solid grasp of the underlying concepts.
Parents should assess their child’s level of understanding and adapt exam preparation accordingly.
Breaking down the exam paper into manageable sections can help children focus on the more accessible questions first, gradually building confidence and competence.
As their understanding improves, they can tackle more challenging questions, applying problem-solving techniques and heuristics.
6. Encourage Collaboration and Learning Together
Parents need not feel compelled to be the sole source of knowledge. Collaborative learning experiences between parents and children can be highly beneficial.
Instead of trying to know everything, parents should create an environment where children feel comfortable teaching their parents.
This approach enhances their understanding of the subject matter while developing essential presentation and communication skills.
By fostering a collaborative learning environment, parents can help their children thrive academically.
Preparing for exams can be a journey of exploration and growth for both children and parents.
By implementing these effective strategies, parents can support their children in developing a solid foundation of understanding, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
Encouraging a love for learning, making it enjoyable, and customizing exam preparation can lead to successful academic outcomes.
Remember, the goal is not only to excel in exams but also to foster a lifelong passion for learning and personal growth.
How to Prepare for PSLE? Strategies for Success
Preparing for the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) can be a challenging and stressful time for both parents and children.
It requires careful planning, effective learning strategies, and a supportive environment. In this article, we will discuss key points from an expert’s advice on how to help your child excel in the PSLE.
By following these strategies, you can create a positive learning experience and set your child up for success. 1. Divide and Conquer: One Topic at a Time
To effectively improve your child’s performance, focus on one topic at a time. Spend a week concentrating on that specific area before moving on to the next one.
If you’re unsure which topic to prioritize, consider yourself fortunate as it indicates that your child is already in a positive position academically. Take the time to review and identify areas of improvement.
2. Vary Your Learning Approach
Every child learns differently. Some may benefit from dividing study materials into topical sections, rather than attempting full practice papers.
Consider obtaining exam booklets that provide questions organized by topic.
This approach can cater to learners who thrive when topics are segmented. Remember, practice papers are helpful but shouldn’t be the sole focus of learning.
3. Maximizing Scores in Multiple-Choice and Open-Ended Questions
If your child performs well in multiple-choice questions (MCQs) but struggles with open-ended questions (OEQs), adopt a targeted approach.
For MCQs, aim for consistent improvement over three to five months, focusing on specific question types.
However, for OEQs, exposure to a variety of question formats is crucial. Help your child understand different setups and gradually build familiarity.
4. Problem-Solving Approach
Encourage your child to develop a problem-solving approach to tackle exam questions. Teach them to identify the topic being tested and the key concept related to that question.
This skill can be cultivated from an early age, helping them understand the relevance of each topic. They can jot down the information or verbalize it, whichever method suits them best.
5. Consistency Over Intensity
For effective studying, establish a consistent routine. Aim for three to five sessions per week, with each session lasting 60 minutes. During each session, focus on answering five to ten questions related to the chosen topic. Consistency and regular practice are key to building a strong foundation of knowledge.
How to Prepare for PSLE? Parental Involvement and Support
1. Be Present and Engaged
As a parent, your role is vital during your child’s PSLE preparation. Be present and engaged throughout the process. Let your child know that you’re on this journey together.
Instead of approaching discussions as “you vs. me,” emphasize that it’s a joint effort. Make an effort to have non-study-related conversations and show genuine interest in their experiences.
2. Be Their Biggest Cheerleader
Support your child emotionally and be the person they turn to when they feel tired or frustrated. Encourage open communication and create a safe space for them to share their thoughts and challenges.
Become their biggest cheerleader, providing encouragement and motivation. Your belief in them can make a significant difference in their confidence and performance.
3. Plan Rest and Play
In the months leading up to the PSLE, create a schedule that incorporates rest and play. These activities should be non-negotiable and essential components of their routine.
Rest is crucial for their well-being, and play helps maintain a healthy balance. Aim for at least 21 days to form positive habits related to sleep, eating, and other areas.
4. Intentional Planning
Part of how to prepare for PSLE is planning your schedule with the PSLE timeline in mind. Allocate time to be available for your child during crucial periods.
How to Prepare for PSLE? Nurture Your Child’s Emotional Well-being and Academic Growth
Parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when it comes to supporting your child’s emotional well-being and academic growth.
Remember, each child is unique, and open communication and adaptability are key to fostering a positive learning environment and emotional well-being for your child.
In a recent discussion with experts, Dr. Annabelle and Meng Hui valuable insights were shared on how to prepare for PSLE.
By establishing boundaries, understanding your child’s needs, and promoting a supportive environment, parents can play a crucial role in their child’s development.
It aims to provide practical advice on fostering a positive learning environment while addressing emotional challenges.
Respecting Boundaries and Establishing Family Time
One key aspect emphasized by the experts is the importance of respecting your child’s reasonable requests while maintaining certain boundaries.
It is crucial to listen and understand your child’s needs, but also set limits to ensure a healthy balance.
Encouraging regular family time, such as having dinner together or dedicating specific moments for bonding, helps create a safe and supportive environment.
By establishing boundaries collaboratively, parents and children can work together to foster a positive family dynamic.
Identifying the Root Cause of Academic Decline
In the case of a child experiencing a sudden decline in academic performance and expressing dislike towards school or teachers, it is essential to identify the underlying reasons.
Meng Hui advises parents to have open and honest conversations with their children to understand any potential causes, avoiding assumptions.
It could be related to anxiety, stress, or the burden of expectations associated with academic performance. By pinpointing the root cause, parents can provide targeted support to address specific challenges.
Celebrating Success and Focusing on Effort
When it comes to finding an answer to how to prepare for PSLE, many children become fixated on scores, leading to frustration and demoralization if they fall short.
Meng Hui suggests shifting the focus from scores to the effort and learning process.
Parents can encourage their children to view mistakes as opportunities for growth and learning, emphasizing that progress and understanding are more important than mere numbers.
Gradually redirecting the child’s attention towards improvement rather than scores helps cultivate a growth mindset and resilience.
Recognizing Red Flags for Psychological Support
Knowing when to seek professional help is essential for parents. Dr. Annabelle highlights that it is not necessary to wait for a crisis to occur before considering a visit to a psychologist.
Trusting parental instincts is crucial; if something feels off, it is worth consulting a professional.
Red flags include persistent difficulties in various areas of life, academic struggles, social isolation, self-harm behaviours, extreme sadness, or expressions of hopelessness.
Early intervention can provide valuable support for children’s emotional well-being.
Creating a Supportive Home Environment
Meng Hui emphasizes the significance of creating a supportive home environment, especially if a child is unhappy at school.
Parents should ensure that their child feels safe and supported at home, promoting an open and non-judgmental atmosphere.
By validating their emotions and providing reassurance, parents can help their children navigate through challenging situations.
Additionally, addressing external factors that may contribute to academic pressure, such as excessive praise for intelligence, can foster a more balanced perspective on learning and success.
Also read: Mastering the New PSLE Scoring System: What Parents and Students Need to Know