Lesson 10: Free Time, Guilt Free

• LessonUp
• Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4)
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

Introduction

The exam period is an exciting yet often stressful time for students. They struggle with planning, concentration, exam anxiety, and balancing study with relaxation. The lesson series Exam Boost supports students in preparing for their exams in a structured and calm way. These lessons are light-hearted, interactive, and immediately applicable, helping students to study effectively without feeling overwhelmed. The focus is on practical strategies they can use right away, such as smart planning, managing stress, building healthy habits, and studying more efficiently. Each lesson includes: A short introduction presenting a relatable scenario. Interactive elements like polls, quiz questions, and practical tasks to actively engage students. Concrete tips and exercises to help students take immediate action. A closing reflection where students share what they’re taking away from the lesson and how they’ll apply it. The lessons can be delivered individually or as a complete series. The goal is not only to help students succeed, but also to teach them how to do so with a healthy mindset and without unnecessary stress.

Instructions

Short introduction for the teacher:

Students are generally unaware how important structured breaks are for their revision. This session should help reinforce how important breaks are... as long as they are timetabled in, and they actually do the revision they intended to!

Free Time, Guilt Free

Lesson: 10

I don't have enough 'free time' during my exam period.

Discuss

Introduction

Ask your students to discuss this statement. 

Then move onto this: Does relaxation feel like a waste of time to you?

How do you feel 

when you’re not revising?

Relaxed, I need it.

A bit guilty.

Very guilty, I should have been studying.

I almost don’t take any free time.

Other...

Poll

Discuss how balancing studying and relaxation helps with better information retention.

How much relaxation is optimal?

1. Short breaks and scheduled free time.
2. Taking whole days off without planning.
3. Not relaxing at all during exams.
4. Only relax when you have everything done.

Quiz

Explain that scheduled relaxation leads to better concentration and less stress.

Stap 1: Maak een lijst met alle vakken waarvoor je moet leren voor je examen

Stap 2: Verdeel de stof over meerdere dagen en blokken

Stap 3:Maak ruimte voor herhaling en rustdagen.

Stap 4: Maak een visueel duidelijke planning

Plan your breaks to optimise your revision

Write down how many hours you spend per day on studying and relaxation.

Check if your balance is good or if there are things that can be improved.

Create a new schedule where free time is consciously planned in.

Step: 1

Step: 2

Step: 3

Practical Assignment

Help students realise that relaxation is just as important as studying.

Students note how many hours they spend daily on studying and relaxation.

They assess whether their balance is good or if improvements can be made.

They create a new schedule where free time is consciously planned in.

Rest is just as important as studying.

🧘

Plan relaxation into your study schedule.

🚴

Choose active relaxation (walking, exercising, hobbies).

😔

Don’t feel guilty about taking breaks (as long as you have revised).

💪

My most important tip is…

Conclusion

Have students schedule a relaxation break in their next study day.

#check

Taking breaks = 

smarter studying

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