How can you help your kids prepare for their big exams?
During finals week, my college library becomes packed with students (I personally think it’s because they procrastinate, and don’t study until the very end, but that’s a topic for another day).
Many kids cram, and the one thing that accompanies a cram session is lack of sleep. And for students who have test anxiety, this “pulling-an-all-nighter” business can actually produce negative effects on their test taking abilities.
The American School Counselor Association lays out 5 tips for students in overcoming text anxiety. The best one that everyone could appreciate is one that everyone already knows, but may not follow through with:
Get enough sleep.
This is what they say…
Big tests require a lot of energy and stamina to be able to focus for several hours. Make sure you get at least 8-10 hours of sleep the night before the test. Have fun: Do something fun the night before to take your mind off the test, like see a movie, play a board game with your family or participate in a sports activity. That way your mind and emotions are more relaxed in the time leading up to the test.
I know someone who makes a habit of playing video games the night before he has a test to take. Rarely would he ever stay up late to study. Video games and relaxation are the tricks…and it has been working very well for him.
What do you do when your kids have text anxiety? Which of the 5 tips that the American School Counselor Association lays out do you think is the one that works the best?
Helping Children Overcome Test Anxiety [SchoolCounselor]
