You will realise that our tips, while focusing on a section of the English paper, actually targets multiple assessment objectives of the PSLE English paper. Many people do not see it this way, but Paper 1 and Paper 2 are actually opposites of each other.
Paper 1 focuses on construction – writing words and linking them to create ideas to write essays. On the other hand, Paper 2 focuses on de-construction – breaking down the writing to get a deeper understanding of the author’s ideas and intention. This is why whatever tips we provide, are inevitably linked to each other.
The PSLE is not the end of your child’s English journey. The methods that we use are still applicable in Secondary School, especially Lower Secondary. So, if your child has successfully completed PSLE, you can still follow our tips so that your child can create engaging narratives. If your child’s PSLE is only next year, or even later, then take this opportunity to follow the tips and we are sure your child will be very proficient in the English language very soon.
Some tips for parents whose child is taking the PSLE this year:
- Build up your child’s self-confidence. Your child might not be really prepared, but there is not much time left. Stop yourself from dwelling on their mistakes or failures during the last few days of preparation. They will keep thinking of the negative and it might become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Instead praise your child on the strong sections and boost his confidence. This will spur your child on.
- Allow time to de-stress. Your child is already being pressured by you, the school, their teachers, their tutors and even their own friends. While stress is good for motivating oneself to achieve greater heights, overdoing stress will only cause black outs or panic attacks near the examinations. Allow your child to relax, to watch a movie or play with their friends. Getting enough sleep and exercise is also a great way to reduce stress.
- Do not do anything extraordinary the few days before the PSLE. This is not the time to explore a new shopping mall (even if it is to de-stress) nor a time to try a new dish that you have heard so much about. Stick to the routines that you should have established. That way, your child will not have unexpected illness or incidents just before or during the PSLE.
- Once the paper is over, it is over. There is no point going through it. Thinking about the marks that they had missed is counterproductive. Rather, spend the time thinking ahead to the next paper.
- Once the entire PSLE is over, allow your child to really take a break. Secondary One might be only a couple of months away, but let your child enjoy a hard-earned rest.
Finally, if you have any doubts about our tips or wish to know more, please come down to our centre or call us to get more information.
Good luck to all! We hope to see you soon!