Harmony EAG’s Top Tips for Managing Student Stress During Testing Season!
National Stress Awareness Month reminds us that healthy learning starts with a healthy mind. As we approach testing season, it’s important to reflect on the toll that stress can have on our students’ ability to learn and test well. The pressure to perform well can intensify, which often leads to feelings of anxiety and stress.
It’s essential for educators to recognize these challenges and be proactive in providing the right support. We asked our dedicated Harmony EAG teachers for insights on ways educators can best support their students before, during, and after testing. The responses we received highlight simple yet impactful strategies that can make a big difference in helping students manage stress and perform at their best.
Preparing for Testing
The thought of testing alone can cause a bit of anxiety in students. Here are a few strategies to help your students ease into it.
Anderson Manuel reflected on how to best prepare students and shared these tips:
Foster Connections
Encourage peer support and collaboration. Create opportunities for students to work together and share their experiences. Harmony Buddy Up is a great way to keep the connections strong, even more important as testing season approaches and we want to maintain our sense of community.
Model Self-Care
As teachers, we must also prioritize our well-being. When students see us practicing self-care, it reinforces the importance of doing the same. The Harmony Professional Learning module, Coping with Teacher Stress, has some great tips for educators.
Utilize the App
Incorporate the Harmony Game Room App into your classroom daily with Relaxation Station, where students and teachers can reset, relax, and focus with a variety of calming activities.
By implementing these strategies, educators can create a supportive environment that empowers our students to navigate stress and thrive as testing season approaches.
Testing Week is Almost Here!
Take a deep breath! You and your students are in this together. Here are a few ways you can help your students (and yourself) remain calm during testing week.
Melissa Mule shared her top recommendations for stress-free testing days:
Morning Meet-Ups
Start each testing day with a brief Harmony Meet Up. Encourage students to share how they feel and discuss calming strategies they can use.
Notes of Inspiration
Create notes for the students with words of encouragement. You can also make them catchy and add a little treat with them. Ex: You are a “smartie” and consider giving them a pack of Smarties!
Student to Student Encouragement
Ask students to write positive notes to each other before testing week, fostering a supportive classroom atmosphere.
Mindful Breathing & Visualization
Teach students simple breathing exercises and visualization techniques to help them self-regulate before and during the test. The Harmony Mindful Minute offers easy-to-implement strategies throughout the day.
Positive Affirmations
Model phrases like “I am prepared,” “I can do hard things,” or “I will try my best” to build confidence. The Harmony lesson on helpful self-talk is great to review as well.
Emily Gaza revealed a similar strategy to lower stress levels for students, especially during testing to keep everyone with the positive mindset:
Words of Affirmations:
In the weeks leading up to assessments, I encourage my students to compile a list of any fears or doubts they may have about the test or testing in general. Students then identify antonyms for the feelings and concerns they’ve listed. Using these antonyms, the students create a series of affirmations. Finally, we work together to compile a list of these affirmations, which the entire class recites together. We are: reassured, calm, and confident!
Testing Week Has Arrived!
Testing is a requirement for student data. Here are a few tips to help your students show up with a positive attitude and perform their best.
Aimee Gallant highly recommends reminding students to get a good night’s sleep, review the mindfulness tips, engage in positive self-talk, and even bring out those stress balls for students who may seem extra nervous.
Jennifer Wienke added to the helpful day-of-testing reminders:
Healthy Snacks
Schools tell kids to “eat a good, healthy breakfast” before testing. Everyone’s opinion of “good” or “healthy” is different. Have a variety of small, energy-packed snacks ready for when needed!
20-20-20
If possible, every 20 minutes, have students look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps eye health. It’s great for busy teachers too!
And when testing is over? CELEBRATE!
A small celebration at the end of testing is a great way to recognize students’ hard work and perseverance. Teachers deserve a celebration, too! Way to go!
Big sigh of relief…You can all relax now…until next Spring!
Good Luck With Testing!
We hope these tips help your students approach testing season with less anxiety and more confidence!
Explore these Harmony strategies designed to support emotional well-being and create a stress-free environment for your students this month and beyond.