How to Help Students to Overcome the Fear of Learning

Your child demonstrates an unresolvable fear when it's time for school. His mouth grows dry, he gasps air, trembles, becomes nauseated, has a panic attack or asks to stay home from school. Or he may be clingy, worry about his parents, suffer from sleep issues or nightmares or fear the dark or being alone. Your child may suffer from a fear of learning, or sophophobia. This potentially debilitating problem can cause long-term issues for sufferers. Causes may range from the ridicule of others to the fact that the student's parents themselves may not have finished school. Fortunately, students can address this fear with help from understanding parents and educators.

Instructions

• 1

  Recognize and face the fear. Younger children may need specific help with this as it will be difficult for them to understand they are afraid of learning.

• 2

  Discuss fears with children in an open and honest manner. Explain that everyone is afraid sometimes. Relate that it's OK to be afraid, but clarify the student cannot let fear control him.

• 3

  Recognize that children learn differently. Some children learn visually, others through auditory means and yet others through tactile exploration. Encourage a variety of learning styles. By promoting curiosity and child participation, the student will desire to involve herself more extensively in learning.

• 4

  Redefine what failure is. Take a new look at success. Curiosity can cause a big mess! Learning to walk involves lots of falling down. But the 12-month-old child is not failing -- he is learning to walk and demonstrating determination. So it is with the curious.

• 5

  Demonstrate approval when the student is involved in appropriate learning. If the child demonstrates inappropriate curiosity, redirect her to a more suitable place or time for the activity.

• 6

  Seek professional help if the problem does not improve. Ensure that the root of the problem is really a fear of learning.