Hey there, fellow parents and educators! If you're like me, you've probably witnessed firsthand the stress and anxiety that can creep into our children's lives, especially when it comes to schoolwork and testing. May is especially trying. Instead of telling kids it's no big deal or you'll do fine, empower them with real proven strategies that work to decrease their nerves and improve their success!
As a seasoned school psychologist and mother of seven with over 25 years of experience under my belt (yes, I started young!), I've seen it all when it comes to anxiety and testing techniques. And let me tell you, there's no magic pill or quick fix, but there are definitely some powerful strategies we can implement to make a real difference.
First off, let's talk about reducing those jitters. One of my go-to techniques is deep breathing exercises. It might sound simple, but trust me, it works wonders. Encourage your child to take slow, deep breaths in through their nose and out through their mouth whenever they start to feel overwhelmed. This triggers the body's relaxation response, calming those racing thoughts and bringing them back to center where the content and memory are. An easy hack is using an app or free website like Go Noodle Flow to walk students through these relaxation skills.
Now, let's talk memory, problem solving, and reasoning. Did you know that physical activity can actually boost cognitive function? It's true! So, why not incorporate some brain-boosting exercises into your child's routine? Whether it's a quick game of catch or a dance party in the living room, getting those bodies moving can improve memory retention and enhance problem-solving skills. Another simple strategy to help with memory is ensuring glucose is stable. When students engage in learning tasks, their brains require energy to process and retain information effectively. Glucose serves as the primary source of energy for brain cells, providing the fuel needed for optimal cognitive performance. Research has shown that maintaining stable glucose levels is associated with better memory performance. When glucose levels are too low, cognitive functions, including memory, can be impaired. Conversely, consuming glucose-rich foods or drinks can temporarily enhance memory and cognitive function by providing an immediate energy boost to the brain.
Finally, Visualization, a powerful technique used in neuropsychology, can be an effective strategy to reduce test anxiety. Encourage students to visualize themselves successfully navigating through the test-taking process. They can imagine themselves feeling calm, confident, and in control as they approach the exam. By mentally rehearsing positive outcomes and envisioning themselves overcoming challenges, students can build self-assurance and resilience in the face of test-related stress. Additionally, visualization can help alleviate anxiety by creating a sense of familiarity and preparedness, as the brain becomes accustomed to the anticipated test scenario. Download this free script for students now.
So, there you have it, friends! With these proven neuropsychology tips and strategies in your toolkit, you'll be well-equipped to help your child conquer their anxiety, improve their memory, problem-solving, and reasoning skills, and thrive in the classroom. Here's to stress-free learning and happy, confident kiddos!
Bonus Tips:
-Remember that a new skill will not work in times of stress unless it has been practiced thoroughly before so get on it ;)
-Finally- Use these strategies yourself! Supporting these young humans through this season can be exhausting. Ensure you are fully cognitively strong with these same strategies and model them for your child or students.
Follow me on the gram @heidi_hawks for daily tips, encouragement, & more.
Comments