As students prepare for high-stakes testing, their stress levels are more likely than ever to skyrocket. To make this process as smooth as possible, here are some tips on how to get your students to de-stress.

Relaxation Techniques

As class begins, have all students sit down at their desks, close their eyes, and practice deep breathing. This is something that students can learn to do anytime they feel their stress rising. Slowly breathe in for a count of four, then breathe out just as slowly. Try counting along out loud so students understand the technique.

An internal method for relaxing is refocusing. Have students think about something unrelated that they do know. For example, have them think about their favorite food that they make at home. What ingredients go into it? How is it made? Have them picture their mom or dad’s face. What color eyes do they have? How do you spell their name? What about backwards? By answering these questions, students become more confident and focused on what they can answer correctly.

The third relaxation technique is meditation. Dim the classroom lights and either read to the students from a guided meditation, or play a recording for them (there are many such free recordings available online). This will help students relax their bodies from head to toe. Remind them to remain respectful of their classmates, as it’s easy for students to become disruptive or giggly the first few times.

Communication

For many students, writing out their concerns helps mitigate stress, often through the simple act of externalizing it. Give students the option to anonymously submit their concerns so that you can get a better feel for how the classroom is feeling and reassure them as needed. 

Others may find it more useful to act out their concerns through roleplay. In these quick and easy scenarios either written by you or the students themselves, they pair up and both give voice to their own concerns, often sharing helpful de-stressing techniques that they’ve developed.

Last-Minute Prep

The day of the test, make sure snacks and drinks are available to all the students. Breakfast and hydration is essential to keep their brains focused and energized. Some researchers even suggest providing a cinnamon or peppermint candy for students (assuming there are no allergies or food restrictions). These scents are said to help stimulate the brain.

Physical activity can get the blood flowing, while also releasing those last-minute wiggles and allowing students to stay seated for longer without getting squirmy. Consider leading a brief jumping-jacks or active stretching routine before testing begins.

Make sure that students have something to look forward to after the testing is over! By rewarding students with a pizza party, movie, or something else you know they’ll enjoy, it keeps them determined and more willing to work hard on the test itself. You can also try keeping the mood light by telling a few jokes before the test starts.

By teaching students from an early age how to manage their stress, it enforces healthy habits and can result in better test scores and happier students. To learn how Wowzers K-8 Online Math program can help students prepare for high-stakes testing, contact our team or try a free trial.