1. Alleviate test trauma. Springtime is also test time in many schools. High-stakes testing that comes at the end of the year can mean different and more stressful learning methods, such as the dreaded “drill and kill,” says Thomas McIntyre, Ph.D., a child behavior specialist and professor at Hunter College of the City University of New York. The term refers to skills that are taught to children solely to help them succeed on standardized tests, and then are forgotten soon after. If your kid's reacting badly to this lesson plan change, talk to his teacher to see how best to deal with the change. Plan after-school activities that allow him to take a break from stressful studies and burn off some energy, such as a trip to the playground or park.