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Mental block

 


A student stares at their paper, says “I don’t know,” shuts down, or panics when asked to complete a task.


Signs to Look For:

Blank stare or refusal to start

Repetitive erasing, sighing, or fidgeting

Verbal cues like “I can’t do this” or “My mind went blank”


Quick Intervention

Normalize the experience: “It happens—let’s take it step by step.”

Break down the task into smaller parts

Offer a short mental reset: deep breath, quick walk, or a sip of water


Refer to Counselor

Frequent blocks may stem from anxiety, perfectionism, or fear of failure. A counselor can help develop confidence and coping strategies.


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