What should you say to encourage a child who is taking too long to think of an answer?

Encouraging a child during a test can significantly affect their performance and overall experience. Suggesting that they "just take your best guess" communicates a sense of urgency—it implies it's acceptable to provide a response without complete confidence. This can relieve some pressure, encouraging the child to participate rather than feel stuck. However, this approach may not foster deep thinking or reflection on the question at hand.

In contrast, stating "don't worry, take your time" helps alleviate the child's anxiety about the timed nature of the test and allows them the space to think. This approach encourages careful consideration of the question and can lead to more thoughtful responses. Asking the child to repeat the question does not directly encourage them, and moving on to another question might lead to frustration or the feeling of giving up.