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April Counselor Connection

Posted Date: 04/06/26 (09:00 AM)
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At Rapoport Academy, we are committed to encouraging, supporting, and empowering our students to become their best selves. The counseling team appreciates the opportunity to support your child's mental health and wellness.

April Parent Newsletter: Managing Test Anxiety

 
Testing season is upon us, it is common for students to feel nervous or worried about exams. While some stress can help students stay focused, too much anxiety can make it difficult to concentrate, remember information, or perform their best.

Test anxiety occurs when feelings of worry, stress, or fear interfere with a student's ability to show what they know.

Signs of Test Anxiety

Some students may experience:

  • Headaches or stomachaches before tests
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Racing thoughts or negative self-talk
  • Trouble sleeping before testing days

If your child experiences these feelings, here are some ways parents can help them build confidence and manage stress.

Ways Parents Can Help

Elementary School
Young students benefit most from reassurance and routine.
Parents can help by:
  • Reminding them that tests are simply a way to show what they know
  • Practicing simple calming strategies like: slow breathing together
  • Maintaining consistent routines for sleep, meals, and mornings
💡 Helpful message for younger students: "Just do your best. I'm proud of how hard you try."

Middle School
Middle school students may start to feel more pressure and comparison with peers.
Parents can support them by:
  • Helping them break studying into small chunks
  • Encouraging positive self-talk like: “I can handle this.”
  • Supporting healthy habits like sleep, movement, and limited late-night screens
💡 Helpful message for middle schoolers: "Focus on one step at a time. You are capable."

High School
High school students may feel pressure related to grades, future plans, or college.
Parents can help by:
  • Encouraging planning instead of cramming
  • Supporting balanced routines(sleep, meals, exercise)
  • Helping them keep realistic expectations about performance
💡 Helpful message for teens: "Your effort matters more than perfection."
 

Quick Test-Day Tools for Students

Here are some quick strategies your child can use these during a test if they begin to feel nervous.
  1. Slow Breathing: Take a slow breath in through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and slowly breathe out.
  2. Positive Reset: Pause and repeat a calming thought like: "I can handle this." "Just focus on the next question."*
  3. One Question at a Time: Encourage your child to focus only on the question in front of them instead of worrying about the whole test.
  4. Quick Grounding: Quietly notice 3 things you see and 2 things you feel. This helps bring attention back to the present moment.
 

Resources