With school about to start, I’m dreading my fifth-grader’s first test. Last year he began getting very anxious over tests — I think he has test anxiety. Is there any way to stop it in advance?
You’re right to want to prevent test anxiety — it not only causes problems for kids academically, it can spill over and cause them to lose confidence in themselves.
What exactly is test anxiety? It’s not the normal concern most kids feel about taking a test, it’s an excessive concern about it.
The U.S. Department of Education has these tips (and a lot more):
- Plan ahead. Start studying for the test well in advance. Make sure that you understand what material the test will cover. Try to make connections about what will be on the test and what you already know. Review the material more than once.
- Don’t “cram” the night before. This will likely increase your anxiety, which will interfere with clear thinking. Get a good night’s sleep.
As a parent, you can also help your son by encouraging him (not just in schoolwork), providing a quiet, comfortable place to do homework, giving him plenty of chances to read, and keeping in touch with his teacher. Maybe most important of all, don’t let yourself focus too much on one test.
To get these tips, and others, in brochure form, click here.
The information on this site is not intended to replace personal consultation. Please consult a professional in matters involving your child’s health and safety. The author and publishers will not be held liable.