Most students from Kinder through college experience some type of anxiety during testing time.   The level of severity varies but is estimated that anxiety disorders affect an estimated 25 percent of 13-18-year-olds.  Nevertheless, that percentage seems to increase during standardizing testing times.

 

It is important to identify if a child is suffering from "test anxiety", to avoid future mental/social health issues, and to teach kids how to succeed in school and during tests.

What is Test Anxiety? 

 

Test anxiety is more than feeling a little stress before an exam, is a mix of physical intense symptoms and emotional reactions, which blocks the ability to perform well on exams. 

 

Most kids have a strong desire to perform well and this is one of the reasons that they fear failure.  That fear can quickly send them to a "fight & flight" response, creating intense body sensations and spinning out of control. 

 

Those Physical symptoms are real, they can include headaches, bellyaches, lack of sleep, dry mouth, a sudden urge of wanting to go to the bathroom, muscles may feel tense and hands may get sweaty.  All the while affecting their emotional state, with feelings of helplessness, fear, anger, and disappointment.  Ultimately, showing cognitive and behavioral symptoms, such as negative thinking, moodiness, and difficulty thinking directly impacting their ability to perform well during the test.  

 

Mindful Monkeys has developed an age-appropriate program addressing every physical, emotional, and cognitive symptom through a detailed step-by-step process; while preparing for a positive and successful "test day". Including the understanding of their brain states, changes, and chemical reactions, developing habits of self-regulation, mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, and practical tips to prepared weeks in advance of the test day.