How to Prepare for Olympiad?

Introduction

Being a parent is quite tough, especially if your kid is a topper, as you have an additional worry to maintain your kids score the same or make it better so that he/she continues to be a topper. To make this a habit, kids need to master a couple of techniques and instill some highly effective studying habits.

Parents also need to play their part in order to help their kids with maintaining their best score. We have probably heard or read ‘study smart, not hard’, and this is a very appropriate way of achieving the goal one has set for them.

It is very important to understand that why one should prepare for Olympiads? Olympiads as they say are your bridge to success. They build the foundation of your competitive career, other than curriculum.

Most of the Olympiad exams are conducted on the similar syllabus that taught at school. No additional reference books are required for the preparation of these exams. Students are only required to be clear with all the concepts and basics. The questions asked in the Olympiad exams are quite different than what kids learn in the school. Questions are trickier and conceptual which require the students to have a wide thought process to solve the variety of problems based on logics and concepts.

If you are one of those students who is perspiring while preparing for the Indian Maths Olympiad, then worry not, we are here to guide you. We have discussed a few tips and tricks that will help you prepare for your Olympiad in the best possible way.

10 items to help you prepare for Olympiad

1. Know the Syllabus:

This seems like obvious advice but you will lose precious hours if you prepare a topic not covered under the vast Maths Olympiad syllabus. Questions will come from arithmetic of integers, geometry, quadratic equations and expressions, trigonometry, coordinate geometry, to name a few.

2. Understand the Level:

This is not a high school exam. A deeper understanding of each concept with a higher level of theoretical and practical knowledge is required. Research a topic further to gain better insight.

3. Visit Official Site for Accurate Information:

You don’t need to sweat out in the sun to know the whens and whats of the Indian Maths Olympiad. Just visit the official site for all the information.

4. Internet is Your Friend:

The Internet can be a good or a bad friend. Choice is yours: Facebook, Twitter, Memes and silly You Tube Video or else sites that offer practice tests, share information on how to solve difficult maths problems or discuss the level of questions.

5. Use Time as a Tool:

Yes, time is an effective tool if used efficiently. Start your preparation well in time to score better. But, if you are unable to, then ask you teacher for the number of hours required to devote to a particular topic. Divide your time and develop a time table to practice all the Olympiad topics thoroughly.

6. Stick to a Schedule:

It is of extreme importance that you stick to the schedule prepared for your Indian Maths Olympiad. Yes, you may slip up, though our advice is, Don’t. But, readjust your time table or cover the backlogs as quickly and efficiently as possible.

7. Practice makes perfect:

There’s nothing really to be added to this tried and tested quote. Practice, practice and continue to practice till you become perfect. Every question and every exercise has to be practiced.

8. Online Tests are Important:

Ok, you have practiced till you think you are perfect. Now test your ability with online and physical tests. Attempt them in a time bound manner. Click here for some online practice tests.

9. Consult Teachers:

Whenever you practice or attempt Olympiad practice tests you are going to face problems on certain topics and questions. Keep a separate copy and make a note of them. Then take that notebook to your teacher and she/he will help you to excel in those.

10. Stay Relaxed:

Easier said than done, we agree, but taking stress will not help you in any way. So learn to relax, take deep breaths, go for a walk or share a cup of hot chocolate with your parents. It’s just another exam, so treat it that way.

Preparation at School

• Parents need to teach their kid to understand the topic of their study and not let the kid blindly by heart the matter and this is very essential for kids understanding.
• Submitting homework on time will help the kid to stay on track with what is being taught in class and it clears the concept. It also helps practice and raise questions in case the kid is not clear with the topic.
• Taking short breaks after each study session help in better concentration and does not make the routine monotonous.
• Never skip class, and you will always be up to date with your teacher and you won’t fall behind.
• That being said, priorities must be maintained with a goal in mind and a proper study schedule.
• When the child is studying, parents need to make sure that the child is kept away from any kind of distractions especially during study hours. This increases the productivity and will help the kid complete the task in a shorter period of time allowing some extra time.
• Kids should be taught about how to manage time and stay organized, as this will teach them to avoid multi-tasking and break tasks efficiently.
• Allowing your kid, the freedom to study depending on their comfort level helps them to study with a clear and a focused mind.
• Encourage your kid to help other kids with their studies, this will help them to revise and understand better.
• Parents need to spend time with their kids and give them all the attention they require; this will allow the kids to express their feelings more openly in case they have any doubt or need help.
• Make sure that your kid gets enough time to play and interact with other kids, this builds confidence in them.
• To maintain top score, teach your kid to be dedicated, organised and to respect time.
• Sustaining good notes is also important as this will encourage the kid to listen carefully when the lecture is on.
• Pay attention to what is being taught and ask questions.
• Participate in class discussions, this will expand your knowledge.
• Read aloud and let your brain process information faster and accurately.
• Write down important points and discuss topics that are hard to understand.
• Read the textbook thoroughly but don’t just stick to it, try and associate the textbook concept with real life events if possible. This will help broaden the concept of the topic that is being taught.
• Revise the study effectively to maintain good grades.
• Try and avoid procrastinating as all it does is kill time and reduce productivity.
• Let your kid explore and choose a method that would work the best for him/her.