CALMING READING ANXIETY
What is reading anxiety?
Reading anxiety refers to a strong negative emotional reaction to reading.
The major networks of the brain are interconnected, so when a child reads, the recognition network identifies the letters and words. The strategic network simultaneously focuses on understanding the text, while the affective network (limbic system) activates such things as interest, motivation, anxiety, and so forth.
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Students associate reading with fear and anxiety through classical conditioning. When initially neutral stimulus (reading) is repeatedly paired with the unconditioned stimulus (perceived inability/negative feedback), the reader connects reading to the negative emotions (Jalongo & Hirsh 2010).
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Signs of reading anxiety:
Resistance to reading
Shifting accountability
Avoidance
Physical signs of anxiety when reading out loud
Many young readers face anxiety and other negative emotions when learning to read. By implementing targeted reading strategies, mindfulness practice, and positive reinforcement educators and peer mentors can help ease those feelings.
HOW YOU CANÂ HELP:
ASK QUESTIONS
Ask the child how he/she feels about reading.
Some questions to ask include:
How do you feel when you are asked to read aloud in class?
What scares you the most about reading?
What would make you feel better when reading?
The answers to these questions can help pinpoint the source of the anxiety and strategies to overcome it.
BUILD A PLAN
Create a plan to help strengthen the child's reading and perceived ability. Some strategies include:
More one-on-one reading support
Reading smaller or familiar passages aloud
Pre-read the passage to become comfortable with it
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These strategies can help ease some of the child’s anxiety, while encouraging participation and boosting their self-esteem.
USE POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT
Be supportive and praise the child when he/she completes reading-related goals.
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These milestones can be big or small, including:
Reading an entire page or chapter aloud
Sounding out new words
Finishing reading an entire book
Positive reinforcement can improve the child’s performance and confidence by establishing positive associations with reading.
PRACTICE MINDFULNESS
Mindfulness practice can help students cope with reading and learning anxiety, so that they can maintain focus and academic progress.
Try relaxation techniques including:
Deep breathing exercises
Squeezing a stress ball while reading
Positive self-talk
These techniques can be used to help reduce anxiety and get through tasks without feeling overwhelmed.