How To Support Your Child Writing Matric During COVID-19
ADvTECH Group • July 16, 2020
Writing Matric During A Global Pandemic
Matric exams are a high pressure point in every teen’s life. These exams determine the future of your child and as a result, teens are under immense pressure to study and perform. With the added uncertainty of a global pandemic, disrupted school calendar and lockdown, it is also an unprecedented time for matriculants around the world. Support in the home environment is more important than ever and there are a few ways that you can help your child navigate this intense time.
1. Help your child get proper nutrition
Proper eating is imperative to the mental and physical health of your teen. During a stressful time, your child’s immunity may be compromised. They may not prioritise good nutrition. You can help by preparing food or encouraging your child to eat balanced meals at least three times a day. A variety of veggies, fruits, grains and proteins is optimal.
2. Encourage communication
Check in with your teen and allow them to express their frustrations or fears. You can offer them calming words of support and encouragement as well as providing them a safe space to vent and recover. Remember, exam time is a highly emotionally charged time
for teens and heightened mood swings are to be expected.
3. Help limit distractions
Help your teen to prepare a distraction-free study space and schedule. Committing as a family to limit loud TVs, radios or chatter while your teen studies can help them to feel supported as well as assist with their focus.
4. Offer learning support where you can
Let your teen know that you are here to help them learn. Perhaps you can help them with study cards or test their knowledge on certain sections from a textbook. Even just allowing them to recite notes to you can help with studying.
5. Celebrate the wins
Foster a positive environment by celebrating small victories. Whether it’s the completion of a simple study session or a big exam. This can be with hugs, verbal affirmation or perhaps even their favourite treat or meal.
6. Encourage rest
Teens writing matric are likely to have their heads buried in books for hours on end. Make sure to encourage your child to take breaks, rest and recharge. This will help take some of the pressure off your child and ensure that they are able to better absorb and retain studied information.
As parents, your best resource will always be other parents. Chat to them to find out how they are coping during these unprecedented times. Together you’ll be able to discuss effective ways of supporting your teens during their exams.
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One of the most significant academic decisions your child will make in their school career is which subjects to select. For many South African families, it can feel like a daunting task filled with pressure, uncertainty, and long-term consequences. But with the right support, tools, and guidance, parents can help their children make well-informed decisions that set them up for future success, both academically and professionally. The foundation of good subject choices lies in understanding your child’s academic ability and current performance. Subjects like Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Accounting require solid results in Grade 9 and a strong grasp of key concepts. Similarly, subjects like Engineering Graphics & Design (EGD) or Visual Arts cater to students with practical and creative aptitudes. Consider your child’s learning style: do they prefer theory, or do they thrive with hands-on learning? Although, it is normal to want what’s best for your child’s future, you should not force them to live up to your ideal of success. Rather initiate conversations about possible careers or areas of interest and explore how different subjects align with those pathways. Platforms like YENZA Careers are incredibly helpful in this regard. YENZA uses psychometric assessments to offer realistic subject recommendations based on your child’s strengths, interests, and potential career matches, and it gives parents access to the results too. “Choosing the right subjects is a balance of academic ability, interest, and long-term thinking,” says Sumari Purdon , Head of Academics for Trinityhouse Schools. “We encourage families to use this opportunity to start meaningful conversations about the future, with support from tools like YENZA and input from educators who know the student well.”
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