Even the best students get testing anxiety. They want to do well, so they get in their own heads whenever they have to take a test. 

This is one reason why state-mandated tests aren’t a true indication of how a student is performing. 

But since testing isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, we need to find ways to help kids manage test anxiety when it comes to those big state tests.

What Does Test Anxiety Look Like?

First, let’s talk about what test anxiety looks like. Most kids won’t just outright say they are nervous about a test.

Test anxiety can show up as stomachaches, headaches, sudden need-to-go-to-the-bathroom emergencies, or just shutting down completely. 

Test anxiety often stems from fear of failure or the pressure to perform well.

It’s important to normalize these feelings and teach kids strategies to manage them.

Strategies for Managing Test Anxiety Before the Test

1. Make Test Prep Fun: Test prep doesn’t have to mean drilling students with endless practice tests. Instead, use engaging games, partner activities, and motivational review activities to help kids feel prepared. 

2. Teach Relaxation Techniques: Introduce simple relaxation strategies like deep breathing, stretching, or mindfulness. GoNoodle is a free website with videos that teach kids how to do this. This will be helpful for them to have in their toolbox on test day.

3. Encourage a Growth Mindset: Help kids understand that instead of focusing on getting every answer right, they should focus on doing their best. It’s okay if they make mistakes as long as they put forth their best effort. 

4. Promote Healthy Habits: This is one strategy that kids can’t control because they’re not in charge of themselves or their home lives. But it’s good for them to know that things like getting sleep and eating a good breakfast can help them on test day.

5. Turn Their Worries Into Confetti: Have students write down all their test-related worries on a piece of colorful paper. Once everyone is finished, let them tear their paper into little pieces, symbolizing that they’re letting go of those worries. Collect the pieces in a jar or container. After testing is over, celebrate by tossing the worry confetti into the air! Kids love having this moment to look forward to, and it adds a fun, physical way to release stress.

Managing Test Anxiety On Test Day

1. Provide Encouragement: On the day of the test, remind them that you believe in them and that all you want them to do is their best. You can even have families write letters to them. Or you can write a quick note to each student.

2. Remind Them of Relaxation Techniques: Take a few minutes before the test to review and practice the relaxation techniques you learned before testing.

3. Use Signals: During the test, if you see anyone showing signs of anxiety, communicate with a signal to remind them to do one of the relaxation techniques.

After the Test

1. Give Praise: Reinforce the idea that tests are about learning and growth, not just the score they get.  Give praise for their perseverance, focus, and positive attitude. 

2. Reflect: Talk about what strategies they ended up using during the test and if they would use them the next time they have a test. This helps build self-awareness and helps them feel more in control of future tests. 

3. Celebrate! Take that jar of confetti you made before the test, and let kids throw it up in celebration of their hard work. 

You, the teacher, have a role to play too. Your attitude toward testing sets the tone. When you stay calm and encouraging, your students will too. 

When we keep things low-pressure, teach a few relaxation tricks, and remind kids that effort matters more than being perfect, we help them walk into tests feeling way more confident.

You can grab the resource mentioned in this post from my TpT store.