THE SAGA OF COURAGE

 

A story of relationships deciphered by Royal fleet; weaved beautifully in the thread of emotions….this is The King’s Speech is all about. An instant human connect, which will change your existing notions about kings who are suppose to live royal, but is a victim of speech impediment here. Brilliantly narrated and set on British topography. In total, A MUST READ! Click to read more.

 http://www.extramarks.com/newsletter/2011/jun-jul/review-of-the-month.html

Board Exam Tips For Students: Put Your Best Foot Forward

“I quit being afraid when my first venture failed and the sky didn't fall down.”

Allen H. Neuharth

I always get tensed and nervous when I enter the exam hall and even forget some answers...I get all the more tensed and even start shivering when I think of how am I going to face the board exam pressure?

Well, these are some general problems often faced by students during the Board Exam season. But a simple reply like “Relax! take a deep breath and avoid the test panic.” suffices all the worries off their heads.

There can be some basic reasons that in spite of good preparation and practice, students don’t perform well or give their 100% in their exams.

The nervousness and anxiety can be tied to varied specific events such as the first day of school, taking a test or going on a first date. For some students, this anxiety becomes so overwhelming that they face difficulty in concentrating during the test or forget the information which they had studied.

Some interpret it as butterflies, shakiness or a racing heartbeat during an exam…while others experience a full-blown panic attack when faced with a testing situation. Scientifically, psychologists name it as test anxiety, which is a psychological condition wherein people experience extreme distress and anxiety in testing situations. This can handicap the student’s will power to perform, no matter if he has studied or not. The severity of test anxiety can vary considerably from person to person.
Symptoms of test anxiety can be classified under three major groups: physical (sweating, shaking, rapid heart beat, dry mouth, fainting and nausea), cognitive and behavioral (avoidance of tests, blanking) and emotional (depression, low self-esteem and anger). Students also develop gregarious attitude by hurting themselves, taking drugs or indulging in destructive activities.

Taking all these things into account, there are certain does and don’ts which every student should adhere to when preparing for the crucial board exams.

“If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint’, then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced”.

 Vincent Van Gogh...

It is strictly recommended for students to stop getting panicked…and should rather develop a feeling that they are appearing for another set of ordinary exams no matter even if it’s the arduous Board Exams. Here, the key funda which they mustn’t forget is that the easiest way of winning a battle is to win the battle first in the mind.

Students can conquer the exam fear by formulating blueprints and implementing them practically in their routine life. They can at anytime, anywhere refer to the eLearning portals as per their convenience and use online materials such as solved question papers backed by logical and coherent reasoning for constant practicing. The test papers too help them know where exactly they are lacking. All these will steadily develop the required proficiency and hold over weak subjects which are the most crucial elements demanded from them during the Board exams.

A student is suggested to always ask himself as to where exactly he is going wrong and should develop the habit of learning from his previous mistakes. He should persistently talk to his friends and relatives to know the root cause of such hindering reasons.

They should try to study at least four subjects out of total five per day, which will eventually keep their memory sharp for all subjects. Spending one hour religiously for each subject will mean giving four hours daily for all four subjects. But remember not to study continuously.

Also, they are advised to take small breaks after every hour which they can utilize by either watching a TV or interacting with friends without getting into study related discussions. This is vital for revitalizing one’s tired soul.

Again, students shouldn’t easily get worked up and worried if thoughts like forgetting previous chapters cross their minds. They should rather wipe out such destructive thoughts by concentrating on new concepts with a fresh mind and full dedication. This will help them in getting disillusioned and at the same time will boost their confidence on themselves.

Students are highly recommended to perform yoga and meditation if facing extreme stress. This will in due course enhancing their concentration power, since, yogic exercises are known for removing the antioxidants from the body and refresh the entire human system.

Healthy eating habits incorporating nutritious foods are a must do in the list while junk foods are a strict no-no.

Last minute preparation always results into a total chaos and may deliver catastrophic results. In such circumstances, students are advocated to carry all the necessary materials with them such a pen, pencil, board roll number, etc. as they leave for the exam centre.

Last but not the least, they should remember not to let other’s expectations overpower them…rather should have complete faith in themselves, a mandatory requirement as they gear up to face the grueling exam session.

Parenting Tips During Exams

“When I did my Exams, I always used to score the highest. My parents never had to badger me for studying…”

“How did your friends score so well…?”

“So what if your teacher scolded you…its exams time and she wants you to stand up to our expectations…”

You can hear these lines from almost every student’s home these days. The over ambitious parents, who don’t understand any word less than “best”, constantly bully their kids till the time they see him/her actually confined. They are rather happy on seeing their child studying overnight sans play and fun such as watching TV etc., as this is vital for them to conquer the top and be termed as a “Topper”.

But in the long run, they can see the same lot yearning for the lost childhood brutally snatched away by ruthless parents when young.

…Give me some sunshine

Give me some rain

Give me another chance

I wanna grow up once again…

It is true that a kid’s all-round development gets adversely affected due to peer pressure of performance and achievement. Instead of pampering and supporting during such stressful periods, parents rather believe in nagging them incessantly. Infact, the mounting stress restrains a child from indulging in any other activity which otherwise functions as an imperative contribution to his holistic growth. Worst of all, if by any chance the child fails to fetch the desired score, fear grips him which forces him to take an extreme step such as committing suicide.

Who is responsible for such an act? Not the child obviously, but it is the score crazy parents!

It’s high time for parents to understand that if they really aspire to sign a star-studded report card, then they need to wisely support their children persistently.

“Nagging doesn’t help,” says Childline counselor, Maggie Turner. “Keep your expectations out of it; kids have enough of their own. And stay calm. No comparisons with others. Demonstrate that you value their efforts - reward them for trying, even if they didn't succeed.”

According to experts, even if parents have no understanding of some concepts like trigonometric formulae and chemical reactions, it is advisable that they should still help their kids as in check if he is comfortable with the coaching classes he has been attending. Many a times, children suffer from an immense low self-esteem when scolded in front of others or are burdened with the tuition and coaching classes. In such a case, parents should try interacting with the child; and if required, should change his coaching center. Parents’ support is always appreciable, even if they help them in revising. But simultaneously should also be ready to get scorned faces and ignorant looks at times – something which adds spice to parenthood.

As parents, one best thing that they can do is to take care of their child’s diet and logistics. They must ensure that he is having a healthy breakfast. A dish of flakes and hot milk would be great! Other healthy options include – instant oatmeal with raisins and milk; vegetable upma or poha; mixed vegetable porridge with boiled egg or missi roti/stuffed parantha with buttermilk to name a few. Equally important is hydration which can be ensured through his sufficient intake of liquid throughout the day. While sugary, heavy food or caffeinated liquids are a strict no-no.

Parents should pay attention to minutest details such as providing a quiet, well lighted area with little distractions to help the child study efficiently. They should create a study-ritual to aid them study systematically, and should encourage them to use the same place to study everyday. Apart from this, small goals as one or two chapters or even topics can be set. If at all, they are studying for long durations, then schedule breaks say after every one or two hours. A child should get at least one evening a week off from tiresome studies. Certain amount of freedom too should be given as allowing them to go for a walk, meditate or solve brain tickling puzzle. Parents can even try essential aromatherapy oils to help child beat stress with a relaxing massage or bath.

If needed or if the child is too stressed, then parents shouldn’t hesitate to consult a child psychologist. Constant reassurance to the child becomes mandatory which should highlight that their welfare is more valuable than their result. Infact, children should be kept away from all domestic issues and turbulences, while at the same time parents should maintain their cool.

Parents should be calm and positive on the day of the exam. The child should be properly taken care of as waking him up on time, making him eat light breakfast, not letting him drink too much liquid to avoid frequent visits to the bathroom etc. Cross-check the essential equipment required in the paper (calculators, rulers etc). In short, they should make him feel at ease and not lonely which is a typical syndrome during exams. They can discuss the paper later on without pointing too much mistakes which can easily depress the kid.

So in nutshell they should remember, “Good Marks are not everything and bad marks doesn’t mean end of the World.” Its upto them now how they would like to see their child in future – a talented geek or a knowledgeable all-rounder.


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