State testing is a stressful situation for everyone involved…students, teachers, and administrators. It is the few days of the year to show what has been taught and more importantly learned throughout the year. Unfortunately, it does not take into account external forces that can affect a student’s performance. While we can not control everything, we can implement classroom strategies to help reduce test anxiety associated with these days. Here are a few ideas on what to do before a test to ease students’ anxiety.
On the Days Leading Up to the Test
Unfortunately, we can not wave a magic wand and make the anxiety go away in a single day. There are things we need to do prior to help students feel relaxed and ready for the big days ahead.
1. Share a Read Aloud
One of the first things we can do is share a read aloud focused on testing anxiety with them.
Fortunately, nowadays there are so many talented authors that have published books focused on helping students realize that this is a normal feeling and can be kept at bay.
2. Teach Relaxation Techniques
Most state tests do not allow students to stand up and stretch in the middle of the exam. However, there are a couple of things students can do quietly at their seats to help them relax.
The Releasing Tension Method
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- Students put their feet flat on the floor.
- With their hands, they grab underneath their chair.
- The push down with their feet and pull up on their chair at the same time for 5 seconds.
- They relax for five to ten seconds.
- They repeat the procedure a couple of times.
Deep Breathing Exercises
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- Students sit straight up in their chair.
- They inhale slowly for a count of 4, hold for 4, and exhale for 8.
- They repeat the cycle three to five times.
Positive Self Talk
Teach students different positive mantras they can say to themselves.
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- I believe in myself.
- I can do this.
- I am calm and focused.
- I am smart and capable.
- I have prepared for this test and will do my best.
- I trust myself to do my best.
3. Discuss How to Best Prepare for Test Day
Together with your students, create a list of a few things students can do to prepare for test day. Many of these habits should be attained a few days or weeks before testing.
Some examples are:
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- getting at least 7 hours of sleep a night
- eating a smart breakfast (those who do not usually eat breakfast should start off with something small)
- waking up at a time that will not make them feel rushed getting to school
- bringing a jacket to school (testing environments can get cold especially since everyone is sitting for a couple of hours)
4. Give Students a Sneak Peek as to What to Expect
Walking into an unknown situation can be stressful. Knowing what test day will look like can help students feel more at ease. There are few things you can do a few days to a week before the test to help your students feel calmer on test day.
Classroom Set Up
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- Rearrange the desks a few days to a week before testing. This will help students know what they will walking into that day. If you have students who will test in a different room, take them there. Introduce them to setting and test administrator.
- Covering up the classroom walls is a drag, but having students get used to working in that environment for a couple of days before can be beneficial. If you want to spice it up a bit, put up some motivational words or posters.
Mock Test
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- I honestly dislike this advice, but I really do feel it’s beneficial. Providing a mock test with the same time constraints and sample test helps students get the full picture of what will happen on that day. It also provides them with opportunities to practice their relaxation methods. Some schools like mine in the past, provide a mock test day for the entire school. I really like how those students with accommodations that will be testing with someone else get to sit in that environment prior to the actual test day. It seems like a day of teaching is wasted, but it truly helps relieve test anxiety for many students.
Morning of the Big Test
The morning of test can be stressful for all involved. It includes making sure teachers have all the right testing materials, waiting for all students to arrive, sending students to other classrooms for accommodations, and so much more. There are a few things we can do to set a relaxing tone.
Music
Play some relaxing instrumental music. I usually look for “music to write to.” These seem to be the most soothing. Music helps calm students (and teachers) down and helps avoid the awkward silence that can add to students’ anxiety.
Coloring Pages
Have you noticed the increase of adult coloring books? The repetitive motions of coloring definitely helps soothe anxiety. Motivational test taking color pages are a great option to give students something to do as they wait for the testing session to start. They provide uplifting quotes while giving students an anxiety relieving activity.
Bathroom Break
To avoid interruptions during the test, call students by name or rows to use the bathroom before testing begins.
Pep Talk
You’ve prepared your students. They know what to do. Give them a quick pep talk to let them know they have what it takes to do well on the test.
Hopefully, you have found some classroom strategies on what to do before a test that can help reduce test anxiety in your students. I wish you the best of luck this testing season.
