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last few days..........

Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2011 1:11 pm
by UmSusu
Hi

I was hoping that someone would share any thought they have about what to do in these last few days before the exam.

DH and I have differing opinions: I had my own exams until mid-October and once I finished I increased the pace work with DS again (after nearly 2 months of not very much for him). I concentrated on timings and some of the weaker areas that we did not have time to address over the summer. I think it is now time to cut back and do smaller chunks of work - but what? I thought bits of vocab as this is probably where he might still pick up a few marks, but am worried he will just mix all the words up if faced with a lot together. Maths is the area where he makes the silliest mistakes under pressure, but I don't see how I can do anything about that at this stage other than accept that during the exam he will lose some marks on things he can otherwise do.

DH, on the other hand, is more of a no-nonsense person and thinks that we ought to just continue at a rigorous pace until the end so that he doesn't lose momentum (but obviously, not on the last night!).

I don't know: relax so that DS is refreshed for the exam, or continue to build up so that there is a momentum / pace for the exam? I am worried that I will mess things up for him on the last hurdle by not doing the right thing.....

Re: last few days..........

Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2011 2:12 pm
by um
It is a very tricky question and I suppose it varies depending on the child's personality.

My main aim in the next week is to ensure that ds2 goes to bed at a decent time. And feed him lots :D And construct some sort of microbial-defence bubble around him so he doesn't catch one of the awful bugs that are flying around :?

Also to try and give him the attention and patience he needs as I know he is feeling stressed but will not admit it.

Having an extremely awkward child, the question of getting him to do any work really boils down to his willingness to do it...and he really hasn't shown much willingness over the past 3 weeks, I am afraid :roll:

I just want it over and done with...and I think he does too. But if time passes as quickly has it has done recently, it will feel like only a few moments before he finally walks into that exam hall.

(I need to lie down now, I am getting heart palpitations :lol: )

Re: last few days..........

Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2011 4:50 pm
by poiuyt
work on any weaknesses till 2 days before the test, work I mean gentle work out. Then pens down and relax. At this point, there may be 1 or 2 marks that may be gained due to last minute revision. Most of the work should be done. Pack the pencil case and essentials, and don't let your stress spill over to your child. If there are any of your child's friends with colds, then ban them from coming round.

Re: last few days..........

Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2011 4:59 pm
by mike1880
Both ours worked up to the weekend before the test and then stopped completely for the final week. I really wouldn't go anywhere near areas of weakness at this stage, it will only increase your own stress and undermine your own confidence, and that will feed straight through to your child's worries.

Mike

Re: last few days..........

Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2011 5:20 pm
by poiuyt
On the other hand my dc worked 2 days before the test, because dc wanted to, then I said enough is enough and locked material away. Each case should be handled on its own merits. Weakness may mean just going over those topics that may come up but still haven't been taught at school..

Re: last few days..........

Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2011 8:06 pm
by um
It is fair enough banning ill friends, but with 5 children, there always seems to be at least one at this time of the year with a sniffle (currently no.5) ...and I have no means to ban him unfortunately!

I remember when ds1 went into one of his exams - dh was there early in the carpark and in the car next to him were two children sitting completing Bond papers! :shock:
I often wondered about that. Perhaps the parent turned round, said, "Well you're just about to sit an exam kids, so would you like to try one of these practice papers before you go in?"

The mind boggles :roll:

Re: last few days..........

Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2011 8:18 pm
by Fran17
Good luck to all your DCs!!! :D

Re: last few days..........

Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2011 8:22 pm
by reeyah
Hmmmmm, I'm doing nothing apart from going through the words in the sticky ;-).

I agree with Mike, trying to tackle the weaker points at this stage is asking for stress!!

Got the letter. I'm more concerrned about how I'll make it for 8.15am, I think that's what it says on the letter ;-).

Anyone else got Camp Hill as the test Centre? Maybe we should adopt some kind of secret code or hand gesture by which we can identify 'other members'!!

Re: last few days..........

Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2011 9:12 pm
by poiuyt
on the other hand consider that 1 mark is enough to make the difference between entry into grammar or 7 years in the local comprehensive, please this is not a grammar versus comprehensive thread..

So based on this and one's DC's temperament, then consider best course of action for the rest of this week!

Best of luck to all kids..

Re: last few days..........

Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2011 4:36 am
by UmSusu
Thank you everyone for your replies. It is always helpful to read what others have done.

I think we will have a final run through things this morning and leave it at that. DS's performance is so variable that a lower mark now might undermine his confidence. I think we might just stick to some vocabulary next week: how likely is it that any of the words in the sticky will reappear in the exam?

I came accross several apps for the iPhone recently on vocabulary and DS finds them much more fun.

I was not very pleased initially that Eid fell on the final weekend before the exam but am looking forward to the distraction and relief now :D . I think DS will enjoy his day of feasting and presents - hopefully it will help him unwind after the work he has done.

Good luck to everyone's DC and to those of you celebrating tomorrow, Eid Mubarak.