How to Help Students Manage Stress During STAAR Exams

In San Antonio, a group of teachers has shared valuable tips to help students manage stress during the STAAR exams. These tests, administered in Texas public schools in the spring, are designed to assess students’ learning in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. However, they can cause significant anxiety and stress in children.

Recommendations for Parents
Adriana Becerra, a teacher and founder of Joy Holistic Education, emphasizes the importance of parental support during the exam period. Becerra highlights that it is crucial for children to understand that exam results do not determine their worth as individuals. “The exam does not define who the child is,” Becerra states. “It’s important for our children to understand this so they don’t attribute so much emotional weight to the exam.”

Relaxing Activities
To reduce the emotional burden that exams can cause, Becerra suggests that parents offer special rewards to their children after completing the exams. Activities such as visiting a park, playing sports, or spending time with family and friends can be very beneficial. “After the exam, let’s go somewhere to relax, like a park to run or walk,” Becerra proposes.

Support Event: Educational Picnic
These tips were shared during a picnic organized by teachers specializing in children’s education and emotional management. Carmen Cabrera, one of the bilingual teachers participating, focuses on activities that allow students of all ages to release stress.

The event also featured collaboration with Fireflies Enrichment Emotions, an organization dedicated to supporting the emotional development of students. Their participation was key in providing activities that promote relaxation and well-being for children, helping them approach the exams with a positive attitude.

Conclusion
Helping students manage stress during the STAAR exams is crucial for their emotional well-being and academic performance. With adequate parental support and relaxing activities, students can face these assessments with greater confidence and tranquility. Events like the educational picnic in San Antonio underscore the importance of collaboration between educators and organizations focused on children’s emotional well-being.