Few weeks ago I asked one of my students how I could help him. Well, Yannis took a minute to think about it and then told me that he was quite good at school in general but he had problems during school tests.
“I don’t know where to start. so I start writing down information but then I get distracted all the time because I am worried. So I lose the point and I have to start again. And that clock on the wall, reminding me all the time that we only have 30 minutes, 25, 20 … and every times I look up to check the time, I start to worry again, and I can’t concentrate on the test. A lot of information in my mind but I don’t know how to use them”
Yannis, 9
Basically Yannis was asking for help beating test anxiety. Children (like adults) at some point in their life are going to have to do some tests or exams and it is normal that they find it stressful. If they experience test anxiety, children can’t think clearly and their cognitive abilities such as memory and attention can be severely affected. Luckily there are some useful tips to follow in order to make these situation as stress-free as possible.
Choosing Effective Learning Strategies
A learning style refers to the preferential way in which a person absorbs, processes, comprehends and retains information. In order to maximise our learning potencial, it is very important to understand that we all learn and remember information using different techniques and strategies. My suggestion is to try different learning techniques and strategies (visual organizers, flow charts, flash cards, oral repetition, written resumes) and choose those we feel more confortable with. This will help children to be more confident and less stressed in their learning process.
Organizational Tips for Stress-Free Tests
Nowdays children have very busy lifes, and this means that there is a lot to remember! The sooner they learn to use planners and check lists the better. Children often don’t have a plan to remember things, they just overestimate their memory. This often can lead to stressfull and frustrating situations when their forget the book for the science lesson, the karate kit for the friday after-school club or the math homework due on Tuesday. Be organised helps us to reduce stress. We can use a planner or a diary to write down homeworks, afterschool clubs, school trips. Children can use these information to prepare their bag every night before they go to bed and to make sure do their homework in time.
Practicing Mindfulness Techniques
To empower children in overcoming text anxiety, it is crucial to incorporate mindfulness techniques and breathing exercises into their educational journey. By introducing these practices early on, educators and parents can equip children with valuable tools to manage stress and foster a positive mindset during exams or other text-related challenges. Teaching simple and effective breathing techniques helps children regulate their emotions and maintain focus. Integrating these practices into the daily routine not only enhances academic performance but also cultivates resilience, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness, providing children with lifelong skills to navigate stressors with confidence and composure.
Cultivating a Growth Mindset
Cultivating a growth mindset is instrumental in combating text anxiety among children. A growth mindset encourages the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, hard work, and resilience. When children embrace a growth mindset, they view challenges as opportunities to learn and improve rather than as insurmountable obstacles. This mindset shift is particularly beneficial in the context of academic assessments, as it fosters a positive attitude towards learning and encourages a willingness to confront difficulties.
Children with a growth mindset are more likely to perceive exams as a chance for growth and development rather than as a test of innate abilities. By emphasizing the importance of effort, strategy, and perseverance, educators and parents can help children build the confidence and resilience needed to navigate text anxiety, promoting a healthier relationship with academic challenges. Ultimately, a growth mindset equips children with the mental tools to approach exams with a sense of optimism and a belief in their own capacity for improvement.
Happy Mind Training 