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Homework and revision
Studying and exams are an important part of education, but it can feel hard knowing how to keep up. We’ve got lots of tips below to help you cope and plan your time.
Getting started with revision and homework
Homework and revision can feel overwhelming sometimes. It can feel hard to know where to start or feel worrying if you think you’re falling behind.
Even doing a small amount of revision or work can help you feel motivated to do more. Sometimes it can help to just pick something you enjoy or find easier and start there.
Remember that exams and work are only a small part of your life, there’ll be a time in the future when your exams have finished, and you won’t need to revise anymore. Whatever’s happening, you can always talk to us.
5 ways to get support:
- let a teacher know how you feel, so they can try to help you
- tell your parents or carers, or ask another adult for help
- speak to a doctor or school nurse for their advice on coping with stress
- talk to a Childline counsellor.
Revision tips
It’s good to start revision early, but it’s never too late to work towards an exam or assessment.
Try these tips to help you stay motivated and organised:
Plan your time
Make a schedule that’s realistic. That means making sure it’s something you can stick to without feeling overwhelmed.
It can help to include:
- A realistic aim for each day
- Hour or half-hour time slots for which subjects you’re working on
- Breaks and time to relax
Remember that it’s okay to change and update your schedule as you go, especially if it’s not working for you.
Break things down
If things are getting overwhelming, take some time to break down each subject into smaller areas you need to revise. Then focus on just a few things instead of trying to do everything at once.
Try mixing up your revision into things you enjoy and things you don’t. Avoid putting off the areas you find more difficult.
Make a note whenever you complete an area you need to revise as it can help to see how much progress you’re making over time.
Take breaks and look after yourself
Stress can make it hard to relax and look after yourself sometimes. Making time to take a break and look after yourself can help to make things easier.
Taking care of yourself can include:
- Eating healthy, regular meals
- Making sure you get enough sleep
- Spending time with other people and doing things you enjoy
- Going outside and exercising
Practise exam papers
Past and example papers can help you to practise being in an exam and feel more prepared on the day.
Try setting a timer when you take the paper. Remember to put away distractions while you’re doing it.
If you’re not sure where to get practise papers, you can always ask your teacher.
Work with other people
Revising and working with other people can help in lots of ways. Explaining things to other people can help with your own learning, and you have people around you to ask when you’re stuck. It can also be a great way to share tips and support each other when things are getting tough.
If you’re feeling isolated, you’re not sure what to do or you just want to talk. It can help to speak to one of our counsellors.
Coping with homework
Homework can feel like a lot sometimes, especially if you’ve got other activities or responsibilities. Keeping yourself organised and knowing when to ask for help can be really important to keeping up.
Here are a few tips to help you get your work done:
- Take away distractions
Put your phone somewhere else and make sure the TV is off so that you’re not tempted to do something else when you’re working. - Do a bit at a time
Take regular breaks to help you focus, for example you could work for 30 minutes and then take 10 minutes to do something else. Make sure you take time to eat healthily and exercise. - Say when you don’t understand
Everyone needs help sometimes, and speaking to your teacher, family, or someone you trust can help. It’s okay to look up support and information online if you’re struggling. - Prioritise your work
Break down your homework into smaller tasks to make things less daunting, then focus on what you need to do first. - Build a routine
Try to set time aside every day for homework. If you’re not used to doing it, setting a reminder on your phone and keeping yourself focused can help to make it easier in the long-term.
Dealing with stress
Exams and homework can feel scary and stressful, but you’re not alone. Taking care of yourself is always important.
Whatever’s happening, there are a few things you can try every day to help:
- make time to relax
- express yourself
- exercise and eat healthily
- talk about how you’re feeling
- get enough sleep.
Getting help
It’s always okay to ask for help, but it can feel hard sometimes if you’re worried about being seen as weak or stupid. Everybody needs help sometimes, and we’re here for you.
There are lots of ways to get help when you need it:
- make time with your teacher or someone you trust
- share how you’re feeling with a friend or someone you care about
- talk to one of our counsellors.
Asking questions can help make things easier in the future and show you that you’re not the only one feeling this way.
Get more support
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