We’ve all seen it. The child that sits there and doesn’t do any of their school work even though you know they can do it. Or maybe, they get up and run around the classroom, or even go to the bathroom frequently to avoid work. Perhaps you have ended up in a power struggle with these children, or even (gasp) taken away recess!

If you have been around here for any length of time, you know that some of these behaviors can actually be related to anxiety. It is most likely not a child who is trying to be difficult, but rather a child that is struggling with something inside. So today I am going to share my top 5 tips for helping an anxious child in the classroom. These strategies are also effective for resistant learners, or those who seem to have low motivation.

1. Get moving.

   Don’t EVER take away recess from an anxious child (or any child for that matter). If anything give them MORE movement. Movement helps to regulate the nervous system. This includes...