7 Creative Ways to Relieve Testing Anxiety

We’ve reached that time of year again.

‘Tis the season of testing, and it’s not just a stressful time for students. Principals and teachers are also feeling the pressure of end-of-grade exams.

Testing anxiety is a growing problem for our nation’s students. Because so many students measure their self-worth with test scores, they stress out due to fear of failure, and those who have had bad experiences with tests feel defeated before they even begin.

Fortunately, there are things you can do as a teacher to help alleviate your students’ stress. Remember: you are the leader in your classroom. You set the tone, so it’s up to you to create a positive and uplifting classroom environment. Here are just a few creative ways you can raise your students’ spirits on test days.

1) Write

Tell your students how special they are by writing them notes on test days. Let them know their strengths and what they’ve improved in over the year.

You can also encourage students to write positive notes to each other. This will help boost their confidence and help them see their strengths and talents. More importantly, it will help them focus on the fact that tests don’t define them.

Your students may be talented artists, speakers, and leaders, but a single multiple-choice test won’t reveal these wonderful gifts. Take the time to show them that while tests may reduce them to little more than statistics, you know the amazing people they are every day.

2) Dance!

Play music on test days and let your students dance! They’re about to sit still for three to four hours, so let them get some energy out first.

Music is connected to our emotions, making it a very effective tool for reducing stress. Playing music on the morning of a test day will create a fun and stress-free environment in your classroom!

Need help building a playlist? Start with these 30 inspirational songs!

3) Breathe!

In the weeks leading up to a test, practice deep breathing and stretching exercises with your students. Breathing exercises are a powerful technique to relieve stress and anxiety. Teach your students to breathe in and out for three to five seconds and take breaks during the test to help them relax.

4) Color!

Break out the coloring books! Coloring is a relaxing activity that will free your students’ minds. In fact, adults who color often will tell you that coloring can help you feel happier, calmer, and more focused.

If you don’t have access to coloring books, you can find free printable coloring pages online. Start with these free inspirational coloring pages!

5) Paint!

Why not try painting rocks for students to keep near them during tests? It may seem strange, but for many students, having something tangible within reach can help relieve testing anxiety.

Your students can gain ideas from the Kindness Rocks Project by Megan Murphy, which uses rocks to encourage and uplift people. Have students paint their own inspirational rocks to motivate themselves and their peers before a test. Let them paint their favorite colors and write motivational messages on them. And if you teach a grade level that doesn’t have end-of-grade tests, have your students “adopt” another class and paint rocks for them.

If you need ideas, check out these rock painting ideas to get you started!

6) Laugh!

Find ways to include lots of laughter in your students’ day! Show them funny videos. Bring a joke book to school or let students tell their favorite jokes in class.

I’ll never forget my visit to the classroom of Mr. Hendricks, a North Carolina teacher, who starts off every class by telling a couple of jokes. While he admits some of his jokes are corny, they still make the kids laugh, lightening the mood and bringing a smile to everyone’s face.

Encourage your students to smile and laugh more too. Laughter is always good for the soul, especially on test days!

7) Love!

Last but not least, tell your students you love them. You should remind them of this throughout the year, but especially just before end-of-grade tests.

I was in my son’s elementary school recently and I heard the principal finish the morning announcements by saying, “Don’t forget I love you.” These words are incredibly powerful to students, especially to those who rarely hear those three special words at home.

So even if you think it’s a given, make sure you let your students know you love them, because they need to hear it. Never underestimate the power of saying “I love you” to a child; it can help them through the most stressful days of their lives!

Don’t let tests steal the life, joy, and love from your classroom. Implement these seven strategies in your class and you’ll help relieve the testing anxiety for you and your students during these final days of school!