If you are coming here from our "Understanding YOUR Child's Learning Challenges" quiz to learn more about your child’s areas of concern, WELCOME!
Now that you've taken our brief quiz, below is a detailed checklist that will help you confirm if the area identified by the quiz is a significant concern.
If you notice these signs, you may want to consider using the information as we guide you through the steps of requesting an initial evaluation from the school
If you haven't yet taken our quiz
What is School-Related Anxiety in Children?
As parents, it's natural to be concerned when your child shows signs of school-related anxiety. School can feel overwhelming or scary for some children. They may feel very worried or nervous about going to school or being in school. They may worry about tests and social interactions or feel overwhelmed by schoolwork, impacting their ability to concentrate, participate in class, and enjoy school activities. Recognizing and addressing school-related anxiety is crucial to supporting your child's comfort and confidence in their learning environment.
To help you visualize, better understand, and perhaps relate to school-related anxiety and its associated challenges, we've chosen the rabbit as a symbol for children with this learning challenge.
Why we chose a rabbit to describe these students:
A rabbit, known for its skittish nature, may hop away at the slightest sign of danger. Likewise, a child with school-related anxiety might feel nervous or overwhelmed in school situations, and they may need extra support to feel more comfortable and confident.
Characteristics of School-Related Anxiety in Children
We've compiled this list of common characteristics of school-related anxiety in children to serve as a helpful checklist for identifying potential signs of anxiety in your child. It outlines typical traits and includes real-life examples to illustrate these challenges.
Does your child...?
Feel Nervous or Worried:
Feeling nervous or worried a lot, especially about schoolwork, tests, or being around other kids.
Example: Sarah feels nervous every morning before going to school, worrying about what might happen during the day.
Have Trouble Concentrating:
Having a hard time focusing on schoolwork or paying attention in class because of worrying thoughts.
Example: David finds it hard to pay attention in class because he's always thinking about what could go wrong.
Avoid School Activities:
Avoiding or not wanting to participate in school activities, like presentations, group projects, or speaking in front of the class.
Example: Emily avoids raising her hand in class or volunteering for projects because she's afraid of being embarrassed
Report Feeling Physically Ill:
Feeling sick to the stomach, having headaches, or feeling dizzy, especially before or during school.
Example: Michael often complains of stomach aches or headaches before school starts, even though he's not actually sick.
Display Changes in Behavior:
Acting differently than usual, like being more irritable, quiet, or tearful, even if nothing specific has happened.
Example: Alex used to be outgoing and talkative in class, but now he's quiet and withdrawn, especially during group activities.
Have Difficulty Sleeping:
Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep because of worries about school.
Example: Lily tosses and turns in bed at night, worrying about upcoming tests or school projects.
Feel Fearful of Making Mistakes:
Being afraid of making mistakes or not doing well in school, even when they usually do just fine.
Example: Jason is afraid to turn in his homework because he worries it will not be perfect, even though he usually does well.
Seek Reassurance:
Asking for reassurance from teachers, parents, or friends about school-related worries more than usual.
Example: Emma constantly asks her teacher if her answers are correct or if she's doing things the right way, seeking reassurance about her work.
Feel Overwhelmed:
Feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork or homework, even if it's not particularly hard.
Example: Thomas feels overwhelmed by the amount of homework he has to do, even though it's not particularly difficult.
Miss School Often:
Missing school often because of anxiety or not feeling well, even when there's no obvious reason.
Example: Sophia frequently asks to stay home from school because she feels sick or anxious, even though there's no apparent reason.
The characteristics of school-related anxiety can vary from child to child and having a few of them doesn't necessarily mean your child has school-related anxiety.
If several of these signs resonate with you and are causing significant distress for your child, they may have school-related anxiety. This checklist can be an essential first step in recognizing the signs of school-related anxiety and seeking the appropriate support for your child. Contact us here at My Happy Teacher to find out how we can help.
Let's work together to empower your child and unlock their full potential!
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learning challenges?
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