Testing can be hard. It takes up valuable instruction time, disrupts the usual schedule, and requires stillness, quiet, and focused attention, which many students already struggle with.
Understanding how the mind and body work together is important for test taking. Students may know the material, but they also need to be settled enough to access that knowledge and remind themselves, “I can do this,” even when it feels challenging.
Simple, trauma-responsive strategies — such as honest communication, positive self-talk, regulating movement, and setting a shared goal — can help students feel safe enough to access memory, focus, and problem-solving skills during testing.
How can you support your students during testing this year? What if you name the challenges, choose supportive strategies, and create a simple class plan to help your students feel more present and connected during test taking?
Name it first
Helping students understand the why behind test taking can decrease the uncertainty during this high-stress time. Explain that test taking helps measure not only student learning, but also the effectiveness of teacher instruction. This shared purpose reduces pressure on students and reinforces that you are in it together—finding ways to make a stressful experience more manageable for everyone.
Choose your strategies
Ask your students what feels most helpful to them. Do they want to set intentions for doing their best? Invite students to brainstorm some positive affirmations such as “I can do this,” or, “I am strong.” Students can write affirmations on the whiteboard or on a Post-it note to keep at their desks.
Some students may need movement. Offer options like holding a plank or a wall sit before testing as a way to release nervous energy. Remind students they can push down or pull up on the seat of their chair to relieve tension, quietly during testing, or gently stretch at their desk.
Create a plan
After brainstorming strategies – such as affirmations or stress-relieving movement – create a simple plan together. Give students 1-2 minutes before testing to focus on affirmations or move their bodies so they feel ready. After testing, take time to reflect, shake or dance to release stress, and celebrate their effort, persistence, and hard work.
Test taking is a reality, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By talking openly about testing, introducing supportive strategies, and creating a shared plan, you can help students feel more prepared, regulated, and confident during testing time.