Tips for parents for Grade 4 Exams

Miss Fine

We are beginning to breathe. The end of the Grade 4 exams are in sight. Friday will be the last subject. I read my previous posts about Grade 4 exams, and realise we go through the same motions each time. But it gets better!

I was really worried about these last exams. We did not prepare as much as we would love. Notice the "we" as the parents were still greatly involved in the process of learning. We both stepped in, and tried to help. It is not always easy when you try to help, and the recipient of the help knows better most of the times.

Amazingly, Miss Fine found her groove. It helps that she gets to stay at school (we don't have any other choice). She summarizes her subjects at school, and then we are able to check her knowledge at night. We are so impressed with her!
Here I was dreading this week, and when I pick her up I hear that she has gone through her work at least once! *Happy dance!*

I am so proud and so relieved!
Grade 4 was difficult! But she made it!

I have picked up some tips on how to cope as parents when helping a Grade 4 preparing for exams.

6 Tips on how to survive Grade 4 exams 

For parents of Grade 4 learners

• The earlier you start, the better. If you have difficulty in convincing them to start early, don't sweat it. The work can be done in two one day.
• Help, but also take a step away. They are supposed to start doing it on their own.
• Take turns as parents to help. It keeps frustration at bay.
• We set some goals. Do a page, and then we give you something/a surprise to do. Such as exercises, or jumping on the trampoline. (This really worked)
• Pull up your own exam papers for them to complete. It gives you insight in how much they know, and helps them to feel better about an upcoming subject.
• Give the responsibility back to the kid to learn. They may surprise you. 

Well done, Miss Fine!
You are so fine!

Photo at Kwenyani Guest house this past weekend. We attended a wedding in Roodeplaat on Saturday.

Grade 4 exams done and dusted

Miss Fine in choir

The holidays can not come soon enough. The first exams are done and dusted. The schools are closing for three weeks in winter this coming Friday. The children are extremely tired after a very busy semester and exams.

I am so proud of Miss Fine. She handled this semester with far less anxiety than I did. My own advice - to myself ;-) - on how to survive exams for moms helped me in stepping back. I am reminded again that it is better parenting when you are there to help, but not to do everything for them.

Miss Fine devised her own study method of compiling her work in very small booklets. It was in conjunction with art work, but it worked for her. She said the teacher also did not complain when she saw her making the booklets. She understood it was for study purposes. :-)

A study method that she likes
- summary compiled in a booklet.
That’s Geography for today’s #Grade4Exams#ThatsHowYouDoIt#MissFine#SmartStudy#StudyMethod #exams101#MomCanRelaxNow#SAMomBlogger https://t.co/RG7qEqFSHl pic.twitter.com/aVIlxZk3Qx

— Karen du Toit (@karentoittoit) June 8, 2018

The exam papers have been coming back for signatures, and it all looks good. I am so proud of you, Miss Fine. Not only did she do netball this semester, but she also took part in a choir musical which culminated in the final show this past weekend (see photo by Deb above). They have worked so hard for the show, and they enjoyed it so much!

Unfortunately we are still working, but we are looking forward to the upcoming wedding. Miss Fine is going to be the flower girl and I am going to be MOB - Mother of the Bride. We can't wait!

What are your plans for the school holidays?

How to survive exams - 3 things for Moms

I  am writing this post to qualm my own anxiety about the first exams of Grade 4. Exams are tough on moms, and the whole family, as well. Trying to help your kid to learn, but also ensuring they get enough sleep and nutrients, and the lunch-boxes are sorted. Our kid also has to stay at school, because she does not have the luxury of being fetched after the morning exam time. The children are allowed to go home, and they can stay at home on the days they are not writing. Miss Fine has to stay at school until Dad can go and fetch her a bit earlier in the afternoons... Shame, man. (Now we have  parent-guilt as well. *sigh*)

Bag of necessities - Letibalm, Natura Tissue Salts and Tissues

The following list makes me stay on top of this stressful time, and I keep reminding myself of this.

The first exams are here

Da face

To say that I am scared is an understatement. I am scared of Grade 4 exams. Grade 4 has been a culture shock, and we are still reeling.