Shifts in distribution of first-graders’ school fears during school year

The article provides the results of the research of dynamics of school fears in first graders. The goal of the present work was to study shifts in distribution of first-graders’ school fears during school year. The research was held in one of the Moscow schools. The sample included 81 first-graders, 97 children’s adult representatives, and 12 teachers. The research procedure included original questionnaires to all figures of educational process, and observation arrangement for school psychologist. The research plan was developed in accordance with the learning process pace of the first graders. The research hypothesis was confirmed. There were revealed shifts in distribution of school fears. In the beginning, adaptation fears were dominating, however, starting from the midyear, most prevalent were fears related to relationships with peers and other children. Besides, introduction of new assessment system (positive marks only) was found to boost fear of getting low mark.

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