test anxiety

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2002 : March : 2

test anxiety
By carolyn

My kids are used to taking tests, but you'd think they never had a test before each time I give one. One reason is test anxiety. The really conscientious ones get that frightened, wide-eyed look on their face every time
the "T" word is mentioned. I soften the blow by mostly only giving quizzes. My kids may get as many as 5 quizzes in one day, although I usually try to avoid that.
Kids do need to learn to be independent test takers. I would not give them any help on them, but explain to them that you need to know what THEY know, not you, yourself. My kids will call me to their desk with a raised

hand and ask me to help them with some item on the test, and I will always say that they can figure it out for themselves. When they complain about it, I merely say: "Do the best you can," then I quickly return to my desk.