Radio Commentary
Does your child get stressed about tests?
Follow these steps to help your child cope with test anxiety:
• Get the facts: Find out the exact dates your child will be tested and which tests he will take.
• Talk to your child: Find out whether your child is feeling nervous and if so, why.
Often children feel better when they voice their fears instead of shutting them up inside. If your child is afraid of doing poorly, your reassurances will help him feel less frightened.
Help your child practice: If your child is familiar with the format of the test, he’ll feel more prepared.
Ask his teacher for some sample questions or materials that can help him get acquainted with how the test works.
Take care of the basics: See that your child gets a good night’s sleep the night before the test and eats breakfast that morning.
It’s a well-worn but still accurate notion that the brain can’t work if the stomach is empty.
Keep your cool: While tests have increasing importance, they are just one measure of student learning, so try to keep the process in perspective.
If you can find a way not to take things too seriously, your child will probably feel calmer too.
