Q: My grandson is a high school sophomore who just shuts-down whenever he has to take a test. It is very frustrating to me because I know he knows the material but he just gets so anxious during tests. He is not an anxious kid, just when he has to take a test. Please help.
A: It is normal for youngsters to have some test anxiety, but it becomes a problem when excessive worry negatively impacts their academic performance. Children who are highly anxious during tests usually engage in negative self-talk. Teach your grandson to get into the habit of thinking in a more positive way, thus blocking out negative thoughts. Replacing the negative self-talk with a positive script like, “I’m prepared for this test and I am going to do well” and other relaxation techniques such as visualization and deep breathing are other strategies used to reduce test anxiety. Remember that the reduction of test anxiety may not necessarily improve performance. It is very important that he understands the requirements of the test. Often students study, but aren’t studying enough or aren’t studying the appropriate material. You may want to meet with the teacher to find out if your grandson is preparing for exams appropriately.
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