During remote and hybrid learning, students were not always taking traditional tests. They may have been assessed using different means or were completing exams online. As many schools have brought students back into the classroom, they are once again taking quizzes and tests in person without the resources they may have had while at home. Just the thought of test taking can increase feelings of anxiety in some students. But there are ways to boost their confidence and help them feel more comfortable demonstrating what they have learned.
Talk through their fears. A lot of anxiety comes from students’ own worries about their ability to perform well. Ask your child what they are concerned about. Is it how their score may affect their overall grade? What others will think if they do not do well? Consequences of not doing well? Remind them that the test is only one part of how they are being evaluated. Not getting a perfect score is not the end of the world. Other students are more concerned about their own grades.
Reassure them that you are proud of their efforts, and as long as they tried their best, that is what matters most. If they do not receive the grade they were hoping for, talk through how they can do things differently next time.
Practice together. Help your child make flashcards and turn studying into a game. Try quizzing them using both sides of the flashcards, and focus on the ones they have trouble answering more than the ones they know immediately. Borrow their notes and encourage them to teach the subject to you as if you were going to take the exam. They can even make up practice questions and answers, or you can make practice quizzes for them. Remind them of how much they do know compared to those things they may be struggling with.
Reduce stress. Teach your child how to do simple breathing or mindfulness exercises. This can help them calm their body and mind before the exam and reduce some of the anxiety they may be feeling. Doing a quick “brain dump” can be helpful too, where they take a minute to write down everything they know or everything that is on their mind before the exam so they can focus on the topic at hand.
Create positive affirmations. Encourage your child to psych themselves up and build their confidence by saying positive things to themselves such as, “I have studied and I am prepared,” “I will do my best,” “I can do this,” or “I have a great memory and can recall what I studied.” Let them pick a phrase that they find most helpful and reassuring.
Develop test-taking strategies. Knowing different ways to study and approach test questions can be beneficial. Have your child work with a tutor who can help them learn strategies that fit their needs and empower them to perform better. They can also get support with course content to clear up any misunderstandings and reinforce what they are learning.
Crafting Scholars offers a variety of programs to boost student success ranging from test prep and study skills to organizational skills and content support. We tailor curricula and plans to each student’s individual needs. Contact us today to learn more and help your child overcome test anxiety.