Adding Some Zen into Standardized Testing
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Let’s face it, high-stakes testing can be stressful for our students. Consider these tips to help ease the test-taking jitters.
Practice visualization techniques with your students.
Have students write positive affirmations and review them before testing.
Start the testing days with a joke or meme to put a smile on your students’ faces!
Plan for stretching/light exercise right before the test and during breaks.
Teach your students breathing techniques to help calm their nerves. For example, teach them to breathe in deeply, hold the breath for a moment, and then release it slowly.
Allow students to engage in low-cognitive demand activities outside of the testing time. For example, allow for structured choice time, academic games, partner reading, or sketching.
Stay Positive – You are your students’ biggest role model! Keep smiling and providing encouragement.
Below are useful links for additional ideas.
Top Ten Relaxation Techniques for Children
Using Social Emotional Learning to Prepare for High Stakes Tests
Help Students Deal with Text Anxiety and Build Confidence