| Sweaty palms, accelerated heart rate, | | | | tests. Test taking is a part of life, |
| and nausea are all common symptoms among | | | | and the sooner a child can master the |
| students who suffer from test anxiety. | | | | experience of testing the easier the |
| The anxiety some students experience | | | | process will become. |
| before an exam is so strong that it can | | | | • Mark down test days on the |
| lead to poor performance and disrupt | | | | calendar together so you and your child |
| their ability to learn. | | | | are aware of testing dates and can plan |
| Parents play an important role in | | | | ahead. |
| helping their child ease test-taking | | | | • Make sure your child gets enough |
| anxiety by providing support, | | | | sleep the night before the test. Feeling |
| encouragement and a positive learning | | | | alert and rested will help her |
| environment. | | | | performance. |
| Dr. Andrea Pastorok, child psychologist | | | | • Prepare a healthy breakfast for |
| for Kumon Math and Reading Centers, | | | | your child the day of the exam. A heavy |
| offers the following tips for parents to | | | | or high-sugar breakfast may cause your |
| help children relax and approach exams | | | | child to be groggy or hyper. Fuel your |
| with confidence: | | | | child's brain and body with a nutritious |
| • Encourage your children to space | | | | meal. |
| out their studying and homework | | | | • Make sure your child gets up |
| assignments so they won't be forced to | | | | early enough to arrive on time to |
| cram the night before the test. Daily | | | | school. Rushing creates panic and |
| practice is the key to mastering a | | | | increases anxiety. |
| subject. | | | | • If your child continues to |
| • Provide a quiet, well-lit area | | | | struggle on tests, talk to him about it |
| with little distractions to help your | | | | and meet with his teacher to learn new |
| child focus and study efficiently. | | | | ways to help. |
| • Practice with your child to | | | | • Praise and reward your child for |
| ensure comprehension and mastery of the | | | | her hard work preparing for the test. |
| concepts being tested. If your child | | | | Positive reinforcement encourages a |
| doesn't understand a topic, seeing it on | | | | child to keep up the good work. |
| a test will increase anxiety. | | | | Remember, easing test anxiety is a |
| • Encourage your child to do well, | | | | process and there is no quick fix. Be |
| but don't add pressure or negative | | | | patient with your child and help him or |
| consequences tied to test results. It's | | | | her gain the skills needed to overcome |
| important your child knows you'll be | | | | this challenge. Doing well on a test is |
| proud and offer support regardless of | | | | important, but not as important as |
| the outcome. | | | | helping your child gain confidence, life |
| • Keep a positive attitude about | | | | skills and character. |