I need ideas for helping a student of mine who suffers from anxiety. He is 10. I am hoping there are some strategies that I can teach him that will help him cope. (The parents are aware and so is the school counselor.). I have done a little research but the ideas I have read are not really practical in the classroom. When we take the state tests, for example, I can't play soft music or let him get on the floor and do yoga stretches!!
He does have a 504 plan... there is more to his story that I won't share but I will say that we have a good relationship and changing his environment makes it worse.
TIA!!! :)
Can he take the test in some isolated place? The counselors office? My son has anxiety issues and when he's stressed he goes in there to do his work. It's quiet and it helps him relax.
My DD5 has a 504 for anxiety. She is at her best with consistency, routine and no pressure to do what causes her anxiety. Her school accommodates all sorts of ways. If she had test anxiety they could take her in a separate room to play soft music. Has he learned breathing and relaxation techniques yet? What about tapping? My DD is not ready for that yet but at 10 I bet he could do some deep breathing and some tapping. Google "tapping for stress and anxiety" for tons of articles on it. It really helps my anxiety.
I taught my 8 yo who struggles with anxiety how to meditate. He does this at night when he can't turn his thoughts off, and also before tests. I got this method from an article, but I can't find the source right now (I feel terrible about not being able to cite the article). I'll copy the method below from my notes. I hope it helps. :)
De-Stress Technique: Meditation
Why it works: This very basic technique is based on a type of meditation called mindfulness. "It's about focusing on the body's physical sensations, as opposed to the mind's runaway thoughts and feelings," says Danny Dreyer, a mind-body educator in Asheville, North Carolina, and a coauthor of "Chi Running."
How to teach it: Explain it by asking your child to think of a snow globe. When you shake it, you can't see clearly, which is what happens to us when our mind is flooded with thoughts like "My best friend hates me" or "I'll never pass that test." When we pause, the feelings settle (like the snow in the globe) and we can focus. Have her close her eyes and concentrate on one physical sensation. Talk her through it: "Think about your feet. Can you feel them both on the floor? What are your toes doing?" Coach young kids to stick with that sensation for 5 to 10 breaths; older kids can go for a minute or longer.
Allowing him to take tests in another room with music can be a part of a 504 plan. So can taking breaks to stretch. Each test is timed but there can be a space in between the tests.
My grandson is in special ed and is allowed to chew gum and/or squeeze a ball to help keep him focused. He also deals with anxiety. That may help your student.
Unfortunately I do not have an answer to the issue BUT I want to commend you as this student's teacher for reaching outside of the box for answers. We need more teachers like you. THANK YOU!!
My friend's daughter has anxiety. Her daughter has a 504 plan and the team meets every year to assist this child.
The teachers needed more information to work with this child. The school social worker, the school psychologist, the principal, the child's outside therapist and my friend would meet a few times during the year to see that this child was given the proper assistance she needed. This student did not like to be in groups or take tests in a group...
Does this child receive outside help? If he does, the therapist could assist you.
My daughter has anxiety and a 504 plan. Her counselor has a group of kids that meets once a week to talk about their "worries" and various coping strategies. Does your school have anything like that? She also has a teacher that is GREAT with her. My daughter tends to panic or freak out about the littlest stuff. Her teacher consistently has a "no big deal" attitude and everything she emulates is calm and rational. She tries to lead her through calmly thinking things through: "What is the worst that can happen?" or "Where is this on the catastrophe scale?" I don't know if any of this helps you, but like others have said, I commend you for being so proactive. The world needs more teachers like you.
Does he have an IEP or 504 plan? The parents, counselor, and yourself can all work together to help him plan how to handle his anxiety.
