ABCs of Learning

"We’ll be having a test soon."  Upon hearing these words from a teacher, many children experience some initial feelings of nervousness.   This wave of emotion can, in fact, produce some positive results, such as the motivation to study and prepare. However, if these words strike utter fear in the heart of your child, there are a few things that you might want to consider.

·        What is the degree of these feelings? If the emotion impacts your child’s daily functioning, the anxiety may be more significant than you think. Behaviors may include frequent comments about fear, interrupted sleep, decreased appetite, and interference in peer relationships.

·        What is the duration of these feelings? Children tend to become more anxious about particular tests, such as the end-of-grade test or tests covering larger volumes of material. However, some children consistently worry about any type of test or quiz throughout the year.

·        What does the child say about his or her fears? Ask children about exactly why they are afraid. Make note of whether they mention specific concerns, such as the constant failure to finish on time or the fact that they can never remember what they studied.

·        Do you, as a parent, notice other academic problems? Children are often afraid when asked to do something that is very difficult for them. Consider whether the teacher has mentioned other concerns. Also, think about whether your child gets upset or spends hours doing homework each night.

When considered along with some of the above issues, test anxiety can accompany more significant academic issues. As an educator at Child and Family Development, I enjoy answering questions and conducting comprehensive evaluations with our psychology team. This process can provide information related to learning disabilities, dyslexia, attention disorders, and anxiety disorders.