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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Have a great one!