“Stop the Last-Minute Panic!” How to Help PSLE & O-Level Students Beat Procrastination Now

You remind your child to revise for Science or complete that Ten-Year Series paper...

Five minutes later, they’re:

✔ Organising their pencil case

✔ Staring into space

✔ “Too tired to think”

✔ Rummaging through their bags

✔ Sharpening one pencil for 20 minutes

✔ Asking, “What’s the point of exams anyway?”

Sounds familiar?

Procrastination is very common, especially during the exam season when pressure is high and students feel overwhelmed. But it doesn’t mean your child is lazy. Most of the time, they just don’t know where (or how) to start.

Here’s a simple strategy which helps students get started without feeling stressed or stuck.

✨ Try the “Scan and Plan” Strategy

Instead of jumping into a big task and feeling defeated, we encourage students to “Scan and Plan.”

Let’s say they have:

• A PSLE Math revision paper

• A situational writing question

• A full Science Paper to complete

Here’s how it works:

👀 Step 1: Scan

Look through the task first. Ask:

• What’s the main goal?

• Which parts look manageable?

• Which parts seem confusing or need more time?

This reduces that feeling of “I don’t even know where to begin.”

🗓️ Step 2: Plan

Create a short and realistic study plan.

Instead of: “Finish everything by tonight”

Try: “Do Section A now. Take a short break. Come back for Section B later.”

Breaking work into smaller steps makes it less overwhelming and more doable.

🛠 Other Helpful Tips for Tackling Procrastination

Here are some practical tools that really work (and we use them in class too):

✅ Pomodoro Method: 25 minutes focused work, 5 minutes break

✅ Study Buddy: Revise with a friend or sibling to stay motivated

✅ Use a Timer: Set clear mini-goals (e.g., “Complete Q1–Q4 in 15 minutes”)

✅ Celebrate Progress: Small rewards like a snack, short break, or favourite song after completing a task

💡 Why This Matters in Singapore’s Exam System

In a high-pressure system like ours, PSLE and O-Levels can feel like everything. But learning to manage time and stress is just as important as mastering the syllabus. When students practise starting early, planning ahead, and staying calm, they don’t just prepare better for exams. They gain life skills that last well beyond school.

❤️ What We Do at one2tuition

At One2tuition, our revision programmes go beyond content. We help students:

• Learn how to start (even when they don’t feel like it)

• Break down tasks into manageable chunks

• Stay focused with the right techniques and mindset

Because progress isn’t about cramming everything at once. It’s about building good habits, one step at a time.

🎯 Want to help your child build confidence this term?

Our June Holiday Programmes and regular classes are designed to support both academic mastery and healthy study habits.

📞 WhatsApp us: 8341 5999

🌐 Visit: www.one2tuition.com

Procrastination is normal. But with the right tools, your child can learn to overcome it and take control of their learning journey. 💪