The state’s annual TCAP tests for local students begin next week
Local Counselor Abby Fowler said it is normal for students to get anxious about the testing. Fowler said if your child appears anxious ask them a question.
“I think it’s good for parents to just open a conversation simply by even saying, ‘hey, how are you feeling about the big test coming up?'” Fowler said. “And with your older kids change the language, of course, but just ask them how they’re feeling about it.”
Fowler said if your child tells you they do not want to talk right now, it is best not to force them to have a conversation about their feelings.
“It’s ok to respect that boundary and say, hey, well, when you are ready to talk about it I’m here,” Fowler said. “So that they know you heard what they said and that you’re there in a safe place to talk when they’re ready.”
Fowler said if parents notice their child is losing sleep or talking about the upcoming testing an exercise called box breathing may be helpful.
“It’s really easy because you just picture a square,” Fowler said. “You breathe in four four seconds, you hold your breath for four seconds, exhale for four seconds and then hold for four seconds and repeat the process as many times as you can.”
Fowler said teaching your child this at home will make it easier for them to utilize the box breathing while they are taking the tests.
Fowler said parents also need to ensure their child has a good breakfast on the day of testing.
TCAP stands for Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program. It is a state-mandated standardized testing program designed to assess student achievement.
