How to Help Your Child to Focus During An Exam

Asked by Anonymous in our Parent Webinar series.

Helping your child concentrate during exams can be a challenge. Even the smallest of distractions can disrupt focus in the exam room. The solution? Practice, practice, practice.

How to Train Your Child's Focus

Focus and concentration are like muscles—they improve with regular exercise. Most students struggle to sit still for long exam periods, often 2-3 hours, which is why regular practice with timed mock exams is essential.

By simulating exam conditions, including no music and total silence (see our article on listening to music while studying here), students build the endurance necessary to stay focused. Additionally, writing by hand, rather than typing, strengthens hand muscles for extended writing sessions.

If your child finds themselves losing concentration during the exam, encourage them to use 60-second breathing exercises. This technique is commonly used by elite athletes to stay calm under pressure and can be an effective way to refocus.

Breathing Exercise for Focus During an Exam

• Inhale through the nose for 4 seconds, ensuring the diaphragm expands.

• Hold the breath for 4 seconds.

• Exhale through the mouth for 4 seconds.

• Hold the breath for another 4 seconds.

• Repeat for 60 seconds.

  
  

This simple exercise can help refocus the mind and reset concentration.

For more information on helping your child prepare for exams, check out our Crash Course on Exam Preparation.