• Contact Us
  • My Account
  • Cart

Carrberry Creations

Creative Tips & Resources for Busy Teachers

  • Carrberry Creations
  • Home
  • Blog
    • Literacy
      • Writing Instruction
    • Math
    • Classroom Management
    • Classroom Organization
    • Lesson Planning
    • Holidays and Celebrations
    • Education Crafts
  • About Us
  • Shop
  • My Account
You are here Home Β» Common Core State Standards Β» How to Battle Standardized Testing Stress

How to Battle Standardized Testing Stress

February 23, 2017 by carrberrycreations Leave a Comment

The impact of standardized testing stress on students is enormous!

The time of year is quickly approaching where students will be taking their dreaded standardized tests. Over the years I have witnessed students breaking down crying during their testing sessions. Some children have even become physically sick with worry over the results of their tests. The impact of unchecked standardized testing stress is huge.

Helping Students Overcome Standardized Testing Stress

 

It is scientifically proven: Stress Lowers Performance Outcomes

Stress’s impact on other life functions is one of the most researched psychological issues. It has been shown by researchers  by psychologists Robert M. Yerkes and John Dillingham Dodson as early as 1908 that too much stress can negatively impact performance in many ways including on tests. Many many studies have gone on to support their research. So, finding ways to keep kids calm(er) on test days is extremely important.

Last year during testing time, my son’s stress level was in the stratosphere. His teachers gave him 2 weeks off of homework, and bubble gum during the test taking time. When I asked my son how he felt about the test he put his thumb out to the side, thought about it for a second, and quickly turned it downward. This got me to thinking about the strategies I have used over the years to help students cope with standardized testing stress. Every child is different, so it is important to try using multiple strategies for students to have the most impact from the effort.

Standardized Testing Stress | Lollipop Day

Have a “Lollipop Test Day.”

I buy large bags of sugar free lollipops from our local discount shop and keep them in my desk.  On any day when my students will have 3 or more tests in the same day (uh oh, the science unit test, math unit test, and weekly spelling test coincidentally all fell on Friday) they get to suck on a lollipop during the tests. If they take them out of their mouths the lollipops are thrown out. (That keeps the test silent.) During the test, while I walk around monitoring students I carry a small trash can with me. Easy, cheap, and sucking on things can be very soothing for tactile learners. *BONUS* I just read that some research is pointing to cinnamon, and peppermint scents as being very soothing as well, so perhaps I might have a sugar-free peppermint option next time.

 Chew Gum in School!

Throw out that old rule about gum on test days. Studies have show that chewing gum actually increases performance on tests. Unfortunately this effect has only been proven to last for approximately 20 minutes. Have a system in place for disposing of the gum, and don’t worry about needing to pass out more as the test goes on.

Standardized Testing Stress | Fidgets

 

Teach students how to use fidgets appropriately.

Stress balls, silly putty, and bead slides are great tools for calming students standardized testing stress, but only if they are used properly. Take the time to introduce fidgets to your classroom by demonstrating how to correctly use them, and care for them.

Provide stretch breaks on test days.

Stretch breaks are great everyday, but especially to combat Standardized testing stress. This targets your kinesthetic learners. Before tests my students stand beside our desk and I put on a yoga CD (great for your musical kids) and we do some stretches together as a class from my yoga pose deck. My kiddos actually love doing this activity for inside recess. During the tests to keep the calm mood going I turn down the volume to a whisper and keep the CD playing.

Talk to your students honestly about the test

Over the years my “speech” before big tests has changed slightly. I find that the best thing is to tell them honestly that the test will be hard. Expecting a challenge prevents it from being a shock to them when they see it. I let them know some questions may be too hard and others will be just right, or even easy.  I stress that I only care about the skills and concepts I have taught them.

Laughter IS the best medicine

Adding a bit of laughter is always  great easy to reduce stress. I always tell them that, “I’m not interested in how you do on the questions written to trick Albert Einstein, just that you do your personal best”. It usually makes the kiddos giggle and feel a bit relieved to hear I don’t expect 100% corrects, just 100% effort.

Be observant

Watch your students expressions during the test. If you notice someone looking particularly frustrated walk over to them, take a real good look at what they are doing, and say, “I had no idea how much you and Albert Einstein had in common before”. Boy do they smile. Then I ask if they need to get a drink of water, or take a quick stretch before getting back to work. That usually helps to quickly calm and refocus a stressed out student.

Be careful. Check your testing guidelines and be sure that the strategies you want to use are allowed.

Do you have any other strategies you use for calming stressed-out students on test days? Please share your ideas in the comments section below. The more strategies we all have to pull from the better!

Want some strategies for de-stressing your staff? Try out this blog post from my friend Pat at Growing Grade by Grade:

What about keeping yourself calm under pressure? Try out this blog post from my friend Lisa at All Things Special Ed:

STAYING POSITIVE IN TRYING TIMES

Have a great one!

 photo Digital signature_zpsdvjy7nex.png

 

 

Filed Under: Classroom Management Tagged With: Common Core State Standards, Standardized Testing, standardized testing stress, student stress

How to Create Powerful Parent-Teacher Communication
Magic Scrap: a Fun Idea for Classroom Games

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest From Instagram

carrberrycreations

Support for Busy Teachers TPT
Who else is ready for winter break? πŸ™‹β€β™€οΈ Who else is ready for winter break? πŸ™‹β€β™€οΈ I am soooo ready! Teaching int he year of the pandemic has been tough, and I am ready to relax a bit with my family and a cup of cocoa. Thankfully these Good classroom ready writing prompts will keep my students busy and engaged with CCSS aligned writing so my writing block planning is βœ… done! Grab your copy here: https://bit.ly/3m2azkl  Now for some cocoa!
‍
Happy holidays!
‍
.
.
.
.
.
#teachersofinstagram #distancelearning #iteach2 #iteach #writinginstruction #thisteacherneedsabreak #lessonplanning
I am humbled by the impact my emergency sub plans I am humbled by the impact my emergency sub plans 🚨. are making on classrooms around the world. It is my personal goal to help teachers add fun and reduce stress in their daily lives. I am so grateful ❀️. to the kind words of these teachers, letting me know I am achieving that goal in their classrooms.
‍
❀️ "I love this! It really came in handy last year when I needed it. I already have it in binders and ready for this year. Just in case!"
‍
❀️ "This was even better than I had hoped! You can print this out and walk away. You're ready for an emergency absence. I am so impressed by how thoroughly this resource covers all needs for a few days of an emergency absence. Highly recommend this product! :)"
‍
#teacherstress #iteach #iteachfirst #iteach2nd #teacherlive #teachersfollowteachers #teachersfinstagram #substituteteacher #BTS2020 #teacherspayteachers #teacherselfcare
Who else is ready for winter break? πŸ™‹β€β™€οΈ Who else is ready for winter break? πŸ™‹β€β™€οΈ I am soooo ready! Teaching int he year of the pandemic has been tough, and I am ready to relax a bit with my family and a cup of cocoa. Thankfully these Good classroom ready writing prompts will keep my students busy and engaged with CCSS aligned writing so my writing block planning is βœ… done! Grab your copy here: https://bit.ly/3fQ5JF2  Now for some cocoa!
‍
Happy holidays!
‍
.
.
.
.
.
#teachersofinstagram #distancelearning #iteach2 #iteach #writinginstruction #thisteacherneedsabreak #lessonplanning
My heart is so full πŸ’— after hearing how my emer My heart is so full πŸ’— after hearing how my emergency sub packets are helping teachers around the world have piece of mind when they are not feeling like the superheros πŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈ πŸ¦ΈπŸΌπŸ¦ΈπŸ½β€β™‚οΈ they are!
‍
πŸ’— "This totally saved me during this flu season!!! The items were relevant and purposeful for my awesome sub. Thank you!"
‍
πŸ’— "Two days after purchasing this, I got sick! On the bright side, all I had to do was make copies of these wonderful resources for my students. This is worth the $$$"
‍
#teacherstress #iteach #iteachfirst #iteach2nd #teacherlive #teachersfollowteachers #teachersfinstagram #substituteteacher #BTS2020 #teacherspayteachers #teacherselfcare
Thank you @motherwithsign for your wise words! Yo Thank you @motherwithsign  for your wise words! You are right. It is never too late to make a great life! ❀️ 
β€’
β€’
β€’
#mostwonderfultimeoftheyear #teachersofinstagram #iteachthefuture #bestjobintheworld #teacherlife
We have finally made it to the day where it is off We have finally made it to the day where it is offically not too weird to decorate everythng in sight and play Christmas carols 24 hours a day. Wooo hoo! Did you make it?  I just need more jingle this year. #distanceteaching #christmasteaching #iteachk https://bit.ly/2UQrhYu
Who else is ready for winter break? πŸ™‹β€β™€οΈ Who else is ready for winter break? πŸ™‹β€β™€οΈ I am soooo ready! Teaching int he year of the pandemic has been tough, and I am ready to relax a bit with my family and a cup of cocoa. Thankfully these Good classroom ready writing prompts will keep my students busy and engaged with CCSS aligned writing so my writing block planning is βœ… done! Grab your copy here: https://bit.ly/36m1X3d  Now for some cocoa!
‍
Happy holidays!
‍
.
.
.
.
.
#teachersofinstagram #distancelearning #iteach2 #iteach #writinginstruction #thisteacherneedsabreak #lessonplanning
Who’s ready for some #cybermonday2020 shopping? Who’s ready for some #cybermonday2020  shopping? I know I am! Finally clearing out my wishlist on TPT to make December planning go quick. #teacherspayteacherssale
Hearing how the resources I create are saving teac Hearing how the resources I create are saving teachers precious time and lowering their stress levels makes my teacher heart so happy! 😍
‍
 😁 "These were so helpful when I got sick or an event came up unexpectedly! My subs loved how easy they were to follow."
‍
πŸ˜€. "These plans have saved my teacher life. I have them copied and ready to go for an emergency but I have also used them when I'm just not feeling making extensive plans."
‍
#teacherstress #iteach #iteachfirst #iteach2nd #teacherlive #teachersfollowteachers #teachersfinstagram #substituteteacher #BTS2020 #teacherspayteachers
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Latest From Pinterest

Come See What I’m Pinning today

Copyright © 2021 · Sassafras Theme by Hello You Designs

Copyright © 2021 Β· Sassafras Theme on Genesis Framework Β· WordPress Β· Log in

Please check out our resource shop! Dismiss