Since standardized testing is expected in most public and private schools across the country, teachers and parents alike are beginning to see higher rates of testing anxiety in
children—especially elementary-aged kids. History shows that these tests are ineffective and inequitable, which suggests that all the effort kids put into performing well on testing may not be worth the endeavor.
However, schools that perform poorly on standardized tests may face consequences such as funding cuts or loss of accreditation. This can create a culture of fear and competition, causing an unintentional neglect of students’ well-being. That’s why teachers and parents must create a supportive and nurturing learning environment.
If your child begins to panic at the thought of a timed assessment, get ahead of the anxiety and start finding solutions to help them succeed rather than shut down this testing season. I’ve created this blog to help you understand the basics of testing anxiety in children, so let’s start by defining exactly what that is.
What is Testing Anxiety?
Testing anxiety in elementary-age children occurs when they feel excessively worried or nervous about taking tests or exams. Imagine being excited about something, but that feeling becomes bigger and makes you feel uneasy instead. That's what testing anxiety feels like for some kids when they know a standardized test is coming up. It’s also possible to have this kind of anxiety for regular tests or assignments in class.
It's important for parents to understand that testing anxiety isn't just about being nervous—it can really impact a child's performance and overall well-being.
What causes Test Anxiety?
Test anxiety is unique, so causes may vary from child to child. However, this type of anxiety is typically influenced by internal and external factors. The pressure to perform well, whether from parents, teachers, or peers, can create a sense of fear of failure in children, leading to heightened anxiety – which would be considered an internal factor. This anxiety may lead to intense worry, irritability, difficulty concentrating, or panic attacks.
The structure and format of standardized tests might be another intimidating factor for some students, especially if they struggle under pressure or have learning differences. It’s clear that the amount of emphasis placed on test scores for academic success makes feelings of stress and anxiety worse in children, but past negative experiences with testing or a lack of confidence in their abilities can contribute to test anxiety.
Schools (or homes) with a culture of competition and comparison further fuel this test anxiety, making it difficult for them to perform to their full potential.
What are the signs of Test Anxiety?
Sometimes, children may fear they won't do well on a test, or they might worry about what will happen if they fail. This fear can make them feel sick, have difficulty concentrating, or even avoid going to school on test days. However, it’s important to learn about all the potential symptoms your child might experience. They might:
- Have an abnormal general resistance to testing
- Avoid discussing or participating in activities related to testing, like studying with classmates
- Get headaches, stomachaches, nausea, or dizziness before or during the test
- Display a need to succeed or other signs of perfectionism
- Have trouble recalling information or blanking out during tests, even if they know the material well
- Have an increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, or shortness of breath during tests
- Seek reassurance and validation about their academic progress or intelligence from parents or other loved ones
- Behave in uncharacteristic ways, such as participating in rituals or superstitious behaviors before or during tests (needing to sit in a certain spot or wear lucky clothing)
- Experience a change in eating (overeating or undereating) as a coping mechanism for stress related to testing
- Talk to or about themselves negatively with statements like "I'm not smart enough" or "I'll never do well"
Strategies to Help Children with Testing Anxiety
Ready to take action to help your child reduce their testing anxiety this school year? Here are some strategies that I recommend incorporating into your family’s typical routine.
Get enough sleep.
Getting enough good quality sleep is essential for helping your child maintain a healthy brain and mind. It also helps memory consolidation and emotional regulation, both of which are essential for managing test anxiety. When you help your child get a healthy amount of rest, you’re setting them up to approach tests feeling refreshed and mentally prepared – reducing the risk of them becoming overwhelmed or exhausted during long, end-of-the-year exams.
Take study breaks.
For older students, study breaks are essential. When preparing for grade-level exit testing, the ACT, SAT, or any other required standardized test, studying and completing practice questions is one of the only ways to prepare. Given these limited study options, encourage your students to take regular breaks during study sessions to recharge their minds, maintain focus, and prevent burnout. Doing this allows them to manage stress more effectively, retain information, and approach studying with renewed energy and motivation.
Create a routine for studying and homework.
Contrary to what it may seem, children need structure and order. While you shouldn’t go overboard with this, establishing a consistent study routine allows them to have predictability—something that doesn’t come often for some kids. Setting aside time each day to study, even if it’s only 30 minutes, helps kids reduce their feelings of uncertainty and anxiety and feel more in control of their academic responsibilities.
Collaborate with your child’s teachers.
While you might only want to contact your child’s teachers when there’s a problem, communicating openly with them helps you identify potential sources of test anxiety and explore strategies and resources to help your child succeed academically. Working together to solve your child’s test anxiety can create a more accessible experience for them during school; your child’s teacher will appreciate all the hard work you put into furthering your child’s education.
Start your child in therapy.
Helping your child manage this anxiety involves offering support, creating a positive environment around testing, and teaching them strategies to cope with stress, like deep breathing or positive self-talk. And remember, it's okay to seek help from teachers or counselors if you notice your child struggling with testing anxiety.
Seeking therapy can provide them with the tools and support needed to manage their emotions and develop coping strategies effectively. A therapist can help children identify the underlying causes of their anxiety, challenge negative thought patterns, and learn relaxation techniques to reduce stress. Therapy is also a safe and non-judgmental space for your child to express their feelings and develop the confidence to navigate testing situations more easily.
The therapists at Greenwood Counseling Center are ready to help you and your child navigate this testing season by taking a solution-focused approach to prepare for the future. Contact us at 704-360-3641 to schedule an appointment today.