How to Prepare for the Class 5 Maths Olympiad

Math Olympiad is an opportunity for students to stretch beyond their comfort zone.

20:48 22 November 2021

Mathematics, a subject dreaded by many young nascent minds, only till the time they develop an understanding of its concepts. Math Olympiad is an opportunity for students to stretch beyond their comfort zone. And further develop strong creative, analytical and logical reasoning skills. 

 

Maths Olympiad (conducted in levels 1 and 2) has 50 questions and a total of 60 marks. 

 

The exam is divided into 4 sections- 

• 15 Logical reasoning, ( 1mark each ) 
• 10 everyday mathematics ( 1mark each ) 
•  20 mathematical reasoning ( 1mark each ) 
• 5 High order thinking questions(H.O.T.S)

(3marks each) 

 

Read further to avoid the most common mistakes made during the preparation period. Here I am sharing do’s and don’ts for best preparation for the class 5 mathematics Olympiad. 

 

Start with a positive and motivated mindset. 

 

PLAN TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOAL

 

Having a clear goal in mindsets one on the right track. Start by having a regular routine. Balance your school curriculum and the preparation time. Make a schedule as per different sections of the syllabus. Split the vast syllabus into smaller topics and doable chunks. During the first week of preparation begin with your strengths to build regularity in routine. 

 

SELF ANALYSIS and STRATEGIES 

 

Analyse your strong and weak concepts of the syllabus. Also, evaluate other parameters such as speed, reasoning and thinking ability for attempting the exam. Highlight the difficult sections of the syllabus to address them during your preparation phase. 

 

 By now you would have a timetable to follow and awareness about your areas of strength and weakness in the maths subject. 

 

STUDY MATERIAL & RESOURCES

 

The Olympiad workbook you get after registration is the best resource to study. Other than workbooks, choose credible help books to embolden your lacking skills. The Internet is a great source for knowledge to clear doubts. Sign-up for mock test series, online lectures or doubts sessions by experienced subject experts. It develops a deeper understanding of the concepts beginning from NCERT basics and moving to H.O.T questions. Tips and tricks to undertake patterns or series are available on many online portals. Keep the resources of quality and don’t focus on quantity and stick with them throughout. Students should also practiceIMO Class 5 Question Paper for better results.

 

TOPIC-WISE PREPARATION APPROACH

 

Mathematics Olympiad would ask advanced level questions based on the NCERT curriculum. Therefore, a topic-wise approach to begin the preparation is vital. In this way, you would cover individual concepts with more attention to detail it. This would also help in achieving the daily goal of completion of a topic. Logical reasoning is a tricky section as it deals with numbers, letters, figures etc. This section requires utmost focus and thinking ability to extract the relevant information to reach the solution. Questions from mathematical reasoning test the critical thinking ability of the student. For mathematical reasoning, you need to find proof/evidence of the statements in question. 

 

Everyday maths questions would be straightforward but of an advanced level. Hence, practice plays a great role in getting them right. High Order Thinking questions would carry maximum marks and consequently maximum difficulty level. Answers to these questions involve complex and abstract thinking abilities. While practising HOTS give attention to approaches for a solution. 

 

SOLVE PUZZLES, QUIZZES AND RIDDLES 

 

To adopt a child’s brain to grasp difficult concepts engage them in doing simpler and interesting games, quizzes or puzzles. These activities would boost their confidence. Also, the better the creative thinking and logical reasoning capacity of their mind. These fun activities would allow them to step out of their comfort zone without any pressure. 

 

PRACTICE 

 

Begin by taking up one of the sections like everyday mathematics and solve as many questions as you can. Set a daily target of doing a minimum of 20 questions of anyone section. Written revision of mistakes helps to imbibe the concepts with more clarity in mind. 

 

CHOOSE A MENTOR 

 

A mentor would keep you motivated, support you during tough times and guide you always. Choose your mentor wisely as their experience would help you reach your goal of cracking the Olympiad. Stay in regular touch with your mentor and seek help with concepts that are not easy for you. 

 

Your mentor will help you not just throughout the Class 5 Maths Olympiad but also all the other future exams you plan to give. 

 

TIME MANAGEMENT 

 

As there is already a lot to do on a daily basis. It’s with time management that one would fetch the best results for themselves. Sign up for a doable routine. Don’t be over-ambitious in the initial days of the preparation. Build on the schedule gradually and as the exam is nearer.

 

ASSESSMENT AND IMPROVEMENT 

 

By attempting questions daily, giving weekly tests and solving previous year question papers you can assess (monthly) your performance so far. The evaluation of your performance would also reiterate the areas of concern. Keep those topics in mind, devote extra time and effort to them to excel in them.

 

PERSISTENCE 

 

Be regular and devoted to your preparation as the class 5 mathematics Olympiad would test your problem-solving abilities in depth. Your potential to do better than the previous test is based on practice. So, practise till you master it. 

 

MOCK TESTS 

 

Filling OMR sheets during mock tests is also an important part of giving the Olympiad. 

Thus, an understanding of how to fill the OMR sheet comes in handy during the actual exam. These mock tests build confidence and mental aptitude to give your the best attempt. A collective revision of all the sections in an organised way strengthens the aim of preparation. 

 

REVISION AND NOTES

 

Revision of your mistakes, tips and tricks and preparation notes is a must before sitting for the exam. Repetition of formulas and doubts is very useful. Reading out loud or writing practice helps to memorize better. Do read the workbook one last time, one day prior to the exam.

 

To conclude with the right and focused strategy like this you would certainly be successful. 

 

Good luck, Do well!