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Puxi Campus Grade 6 | Assembly: Study hard, Snack hard

January 2, 2025

At the final grade assembly of 2024, Ms. Meng from the Psychological Support Team joined sixth-grade students to explore how better to handle anxiety during exams. Using simple and understandable methods, Ms. Meng helped students recognize that an appropriate level of stress can actually be a boon rather than a barrier.



"Do you know?" Ms. Meng said, "Psychologists Yerkes and Dodson found that when we feel a little bit nervous, our brains become more focused, and our performance improves." However, she also cautioned that excessive tension can lead to confusion and negatively impact exam performance. Therefore, finding the right balance of pressure is crucial.



Ms. Meng reassured everyone that feeling slightly nervous before an exam is completely normal. "This feeling acts like a little helper, reminding us to take preparation seriously." What truly troubles students are the thoughts of "I can't do this." In response to these negative feelings, Ms. Meng encouraged them to bravely affirm, "I can take it step by step."

To help students calm down during tense moments, Ms. Meng introduced several practical techniques:

Deep Breathing Exercises: When you think "I can't do this," try deep breathing several times to regain composure.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense a part of your body, such as clenching your fists, then gradually relax it, experiencing the sense of release afterward.

Additionally, Ms. Meng shared some tips for recharging the brain:

Walk around the room to get your body moving.

Practice deep breathing to restore calmness.

Step outside for some fresh air to refresh your mind.

Play a musical instrument you enjoy for a moment of musical enjoyment.

"Remember, moderate stress is your friend; it helps you perform better," Ms. Meng encouraged. "When you feel nervous, don't be afraid. Try the methods mentioned above, and you'll find that handling exams can be much easier!"

At this special assembly, Ms. Meng's guidance not only provided practical assistance but also instilled confidence in the students. It is hoped that each student will face the upcoming exams with their best selves, showcasing their finest work.


Written by Chen Xu

Pictures by Chen Xu

Edited by Cong Luo, Judah Kuhn