Home >  Information A-Z >  All Kids Information Articles >  Nervous Test Taking

Nervous Test Taking

Some children, just as adults, without having any learning disability at all, may have a hard time taking tests. There can be many reasons that a child will have testing difficulty, and there are a few ways you can help your child improve this situation.

Below are some possible causes of test-taking nervousness:

• Fear of failure

• The child just doesn’t deal with pressure well

• General anxiety (with no known cause)

• An unrecognized learning disability

Some possible signs that your child might have nervousness or anxiety when required to take a test may include any of the following:

• The teacher mentions something about it to you.

• Your child wants to miss school on test day fairly often and you know that he isn’t sick.

• You know your child knows the material better than the test scores reflect.

A few ways that you can possibly help your child overcome their fear and anxiety enough that they can actually concentrate on taking the test:

• Encourage self-treatment—
You can help your child by teaching them to help themselves through this. This is very important since you likely won’t be with them when it actually comes time to take a test. This means that it really makes sense that you should teach your child how to at least partially handle this on their own.
There are many different types of self-treatments that a child can do, and almost all of them will rely mainly on focus and concentration, as well as relaxation. You can teach your child to close their eyes, picture a happy place and breathe slowly and deeply before trying to answer the first question on the test. When he opens his eyes, he will likely be much less anxious than before.

• Practice a test setting—
You can administer fake tests and have them practice. If the teacher will do it, you should have them give your child practice tests a few days before the real thing with the teacher watching him take it. The added pressure can help prepare him for test day, especially if he tries practicing deep breathing during these times, as well.

• Have him tested for learning disabilities—
This is one of the first steps a parent should take, because if your child does have a learning disability, the sooner it is caught, the better.

• Seek counseling when necessary—
If you have ruled out learning disabilities, have practiced, and have taught your child self-therapy techniques, it may be time to seek the advice of a professional. Take your child to his pediatrician and they can likely recommend you to someone.

Copyright 2010. All educational materials are the sole property of Kid First Internet and are available for the benefit of our parents. Duplication or use of any material requires the express consent of Kids First Internet.




Browse information articles by category:

Babies
Toddlers
Kids
Health and Safety
Nutrition and Feeding
Bathing
Behavior and Discipline
Diapers and Potty Training
Playtime activities and toys
Clothing
Napping and Nighttime

View All Articles

Kids Bedding Information Center:

Nursery and Crib Safety
Allergy Information
Kids Bedding Gift Giving
Bedding Themes
Crib and Nursery Sizes
Typical Prices
Bedding Production
Cleaning
Materials and Fabrics
Boys Bedding and Girls Bedding

Kids and Baby Bedding Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best kids bedding brands? A look at some of the best kids bedding sets.

What comes in the different crib and nursery sets? Know exactly what you are ordering - before you order.

How do I choose the perfect kids bedding gift? Here are three simple rules for picking out a wonderful kids bedding or baby bedding set!

How can I create a safe nursery? A short article on safety and kids bedding and baby bedding.

How do I clean my kids bedding? Tips and directions to make your kids bedding set last forever.

How long does it take for my kids bedding purchase to arrive? Read about why it is important to order kids bedding several weeks in advance.

Why buy kids bedding or baby bedding online? Learn why we can offer the best prices on kids bedding.