Coping with Academic Anxiety
Kids Healthy Coping Skills Series
What’s inside...
Essential titles that discuss issues that may not receive widespread recognition. The pressure young adults are under -- from themselves and their parents -- to succeed in school can be immense. Ottens explains how to defuse and channel that dangerous stress.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
14-18
Length
255 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What part of the book did you find most relatable and why?
Can you describe a time when you felt similar to how the character felt in the story?
What are some ways you think the characters could have handled their anxiety differently?
How do you feel about talking to me or a teacher when you're feeling anxious or overwhelmed?
What are some things you'd like to try from the book to manage your own feelings of anxiety?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before discussing, let your child know that it’s safe to express their feelings and thoughts about the themes in the book.
Relate personal experiences or stories dealing with anxiety to help them connect their feelings with the characters in the book.
Encourage them to think about solutions or techniques presented in the book and how they could apply them in real life.
Reassure your child that feeling anxious is normal sometimes, and discuss the importance of coping strategies.
Support an ongoing conversation by periodically revisiting themes from the book as they encounter stressful or challenging situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Overcoming fear
Explanation: The book illustrates how the main character learns to manage their anxiety about school through various coping strategies.
Real-World Application: Children can use similar strategies like deep breathing or talking to someone they trust when they feel overwhelmed by school or other challenges.
Example Lesson: Seeking help is beneficial
Explanation: The character reaches out for support from teachers and parents when the academic pressure becomes too intense.
Real-World Application: Kids will understand that it's okay to ask for help when they're struggling, reinforcing that problem-solving is often a collaborative effort.
Example Lesson: Perseverance through challenges
Explanation: Despite their anxiety, the protagonist continues to engage with their schoolwork and gradually improves.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persistence and hard work, even when facing personal difficulties.
Example Lesson: Understanding and empathy
Explanation: Classmates learn about the main character’s struggles and start to offer support, fostering a supportive community.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be empathetic and supportive of their peers who might be facing similar challenges.
Example Lesson: Building self-confidence
Explanation: As the character applies the coping techniques, they gain more confidence in their academic abilities.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to adopt strategies that boost their confidence and self-esteem in school and other areas of life.