How to Overcome Testing Anxiety for Elementary Students

Standardized Testing is a reality that teachers and students must encounter year after year – no matter how much stress and anxiety they cause. While educational leaders may find value in standardized tests, at the end of the day it is just one data point. Our students’ test results do not define them as individuals nor does it define us as educators. So how can we help our students (and ourselves) keep this in perspective? Find out some simple tips for how you can overcome testing anxiety with your elementary students.

Tips for Testing Anxiety in Students

Practice Test Taking Strategies

In order for students to independently implement test taking strategies during the test, you’ll need to explicitly teach the strategies. They’ll also need plenty of scaffolded practice to be able to use the strategies on their own. These tips for teaching test taking strategies will offer additional support on using the following strategies:

• Stop and Jot
• Stop and Sketch
• Brain Dump
• Strategies for Answering Questions
• Vocabulary Strategies

Make Review FUN!

Part of test prep is reviewing content that was introduced throughout the year. But rather than using “drill and kill” activities that strictly require students to read passages and answer questions, make it engaging. Try some of these fun review games with your students!

Have a Class Meeting

During this time, allow students to ask questions about the test. Sometimes they want to know things such as how test day will look, the types of questions they’ll be asked, or how much time they’ll have to complete it. Giving them a better understanding of what to expect can help alleviate some of the anxiety they’re feeling. Provide them with an opportunity to express their feelings about the test and offer them strategies to alleviate the concerns they may have.

Motivational Messages

Provide words of encouragement to ease students’ anxiety on the day of the test.

• Write messages on the bus loop with sidewalk chalk.
• Use dry erase markers to write messages on students’ desks.
• Write motivational puns on a card and attach candy or snacks.
• Students’ reading buddies can make them posters or cards.
• Make motivational messages with Chatterpix using students’ favorite celebrities.
• Hang motivational growth mindset posters and talk about the meaning behind them.

Relaxation Strategies

These are strategies you can implement prior to testing that create a calming test environment.

• Play calming music.
• Show pictures of cute baby animals.
• Lead the class in stretching and have them shake out their limbs.
• Teach students breathing strategies for when they feel anxious.

Additional Tips for Testing Anxiety

• Remind students to get a good night’s sleep prior to the test and eat a nutritious breakfast.
• Encourage them to take their time and not worry about if other students finish first.
• You may be able to provide students with a stress ball during the test but check with administration first.
• If allowed, encourage students to take a brain break when needed. This may be taking a walk to the water fountain. Just a chance to stand up and take a brief break from the test.

Tips to Help Teachers with Testing Anxiety

• Take time for your self. Do something you enjoy to take a break from testing.
• Remember that you are not defined by your students’ test scores. It is just one data point that does not completely reflect on all you’ve accomplished with students during the year.
• Focus on student progress rather than if they pass. Below grade levels students may not developmentally be able to pass the test yet. But celebrate the progress they have made.
• Use the testing data to reflect on your own instruction. Do not just look at the percentage of students that passed the test. Instead look at the specific standards students did well on or struggled with. This allows you to reflect on what aspects of your instruction was successful and where you can improve.
• Make learning fun! Be sure to plan engaging activities for your students rather than getting bogged down by only doing “test prep” activities. Your students will be engaged and you’ll enjoy teaching more!

At the end of the day, it is just a test! It does not define us as individuals nor does it drastically impact our future. Try to use these strategies to help your students and yourself keep things in perspective and reduce any testing anxiety!

What strategies or tips for testing anxiety have you found to be beneficial for your students? Share with us in the comments below!

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