Testing season is upon us, and to be quite frank, I loathe state assessments for elementary-aged students. As elementary teachers, we spend the entire year assessing our students regularly, only to have them face what essentially amounts to a final exam at the end of the year. To make matters worse, these results are tied to our performance, with administrators breathing down our necks when the odds are already stacked against us. What miracles do they expect when students move on without mastering the necessary skills to be successful at the next grade level? I could write an entire blog post on the systemic problems in education, but let’s just say this: to truly improve student success, the changes need to start at the top.
In the meantime, we still have to get through testing season. Here are seven practical testing tips for elementary students to make the experience smoother while keeping stress levels low for both you and your students.
Testing Tips to Ease the Stress
1. Remind Students That Their Worth Isn't Tied to a Test
- It’s crucial to remind students that a single test score doesn’t define them. Reassure them that this is just one part of their educational journey.
- Create a motivational classroom poster or use morning affirmations to reinforce this message.
2. Encourage Parents to Write Encouraging Notes
- Ask parents to write short, uplifting notes for their children. Leave these notes on students’ desks each day of testing to boost their confidence and ease their worries.
- If you don’t work in a district with a lot of parent support, there are lots of options for motivational notes on TPT. I personally don’t have any, but a quick search gave me lots of options.
3. Provide Healthy Snacks
- Testing takes stamina. Keep students fueled with healthy snacks such as fruit, vegetables, popcorn, or yogurt.
- Organize a sign-up sheet for parents to donate snacks or supplies.
- If parent contributions fall short, reach out to local churches, community groups, the PTO, or start a small fundraiser to ensure students who may not have the support at home also have a snack.
4. Offer Extra Recess or Movement Breaks
- Sitting for long periods is challenging for young students. Once the testing window closes for the day, head outside or incorporate indoor movement breaks.
- Activities like yoga, dancing, or a quick game of tag can help students reset.
5. Maintain Normal Routines
- Children thrive on consistency. If you change your entire daily schedule for testing, it may increase anxiety.
- Keep morning routines, read-alouds, or class meetings intact to give students a sense of normalcy.
6. Emphasize the Importance of a Good Night's Sleep
- Encourage students to get a full night’s sleep before each testing day. Send a friendly reminder to parents about the impact of rest on focus and performance.
- Don’t forget to prioritize your own rest as well. A well-rested teacher makes for a calmer classroom.
7. Remind Yourself: You Are More Than Your Class's Test Scores
- Testing season can feel like a personal evaluation, but it’s not a reflection of your worth or dedication.
- Acknowledge the hard work you put in every day. Celebrate small wins and find ways to de-stress after each testing day.
Testing season may never be our favorite time of year, but with a few thoughtful strategies, we can ease the burden for ourselves and our students. By focusing on encouragement, maintaining routines, and remembering that we are more than a number, we can create a supportive environment where students feel valued beyond their test scores. These stress-free testing strategies for teachers can help keep the classroom calm and focused. Good luck this testing season — you’ve got this!
