SPRING ACTIVITIES
Testing season can bring stress and anxiety for students, but teachers have the power to create a supportive and positive environment. Try incorporating a few of these simple testing tips to help make students feel more confident, relaxed, and ready to do their best!
SET A CALM TONE
Mornings before a test can feel tense. Playing soft instrumental music as students enter the classroom can create a peaceful atmosphere. This can help students start the day feeling centered and ease any of their test anxiety.
Putting a fun activity on their desks like a color sheet or a fast finisher card can help reduce the stress while helping students get their brains ready for test taking.
CLASSROOM COMMUNITY
Testing season doesn’t have to feel isolating. Holding short class meetings or engaging in team-building activities with your entire class can remind students they are supported. Discussions can include:
- Sharing tips for handling stress
- Encouraging words for each other
- Reflecting on past challenges they’ve overcome
Class meetings are also a great way to check in with students about how they are feeling about an upcoming test. Getting a quick pulse check on student feelings, if they were able to get enough sleep, and if they need a snack is the best way to ensure students have what they need to feel supported and successful.
A strong sense of community can help students feel like they’re not alone in their testing experience.
GIVE ENCOURAGEMENT
A simple, heartfelt note on a student’s desk can make a big difference in their confidence. The best part is it can be FREE! Write using an expo marker on desks so students walk in to a personal message from you! Something so quick and easy can change student attitudes towards testing. Try a simple phrase like:
- You’ve got this! I believe in you.
- You are smart, strong, and capable.
- Your hard work is paying off—keep going!
Or check out this freebie… positive testing notes!
Positive Testing Notes FREEBIE
Another one of the best testing tips is to make sure students have a small snack. It's never easy to test when feeling hungry, which can impact concentration and performance during a testing session. Providing small snacks, like granola bars or crackers, and offering mints or gum can help students stay energized.
You can always put together an Amazon wishlist to share with families in hopes of collecting a few snack donations!
ENCOURAGE A GROWTH MINDSET
Words have power, and affirmations can boost students’ confidence. Create a bulletin board reminding students they are capable is one of the best things for setting the tone in the classroom.
A bulletin board is the a great way to encourage students with test taking strategies, words of encouragement, or reminding them to have a growth mindset!
BRAIN BREAKS
Long testing periods can be mentally exhausting. Incorporating short brain breaks before and after tests helps students reset and refocus.
Brain breaks not only reduce stress but also improve focus and engagement when it’s time to return to work. Brain breaks can also include strategies for deep breathing and mindfulness.
Testing is just one moment in a student’s journey. Teachers can make that moment feel manageable and empowering. By incorporating brain breaks, affirmations, snacks, music, class meetings, and personal encouragement, teachers can turn test days into opportunities for students to feel supported, loved, and successful!
Try out these testing tips in your class to support and encourage your students during this testing season.
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