Teachers across the country are feeling the stress of standardized state testing. It doesn’t matter how you feel about standardized test, as of now it appears to be here to stay. So, why not try to make the best of it!?! Read on to find testing tips for teachers that will help you feel a little less stress during the standardized testing season. We always focus on students, as we should, but teachers can feel the stress of testing too!
Practice Test Taking Skills
Teaching test taking skills is something teachers can work on ALL year long. When taking regular test teach you kids how to bubble and erase completely. Talk to your students on the importance of answering questions completely. Encourage students to restate and provide evidence to back up their responses. Preparing your students for what is to come will ease the stress on you and them. Many of you are already practicing daily test taking skills. It is a skill that will pay off in the end and make testing less stressful for you.
Treat Testing as an Everyday Occurrence
When teachers are constantly stressing about testing that stress projects onto our students. One teacher tip I have found is if I ACT (key word here) like state testing is part of the norm, then my students and I are both less stressed. Have confidence in your teaching! Know that you have taught your students to the best of your ability. Trust your students will perform to the best of their ability. Try promoting a less stressed atmosphere, even if on the inside you are overwhelmed. Sometimes you have to fake it to make it!;)
Stick with Regular Routines
Although scheduling will change during the testing season try to keep your mornings and afternoons the same as possible. When a student feels like they are arriving to a normal school day they are less likely to be stressed. Furthermore, so will YOU! When testing is over don’t let the rest of the day be an all you can eat and watch movies kind of day. Yes take it easy, but maybe try to incorporate some hands on learning. This way students are getting a break, moving and learning at the same time. By doing this it appears that everything is running as business as usual.
Have a Plan for Early Finishers
You will have students that finish ahead of schedule. Have something for these students to do while the others are completing their test. At my school students are allow to read or draw on scrap paper. It needs to be some type of activity to keep them quiet. Just do not leave the students empty handed. By having something planned or prepared for early finishers you are relieving the stress of trying to scramble and find something to occupy their time.
Remain Calm Before, During, and After Testing
Teachers can help alleviate anxiety by remaining calm. Try to arrive 10 minutes earlier than usual. Being prepared will help you feel less stressed. If a student looks up at you during testing give them a reassuring smile. If students are having a hard time talk to them in a calming voice to deter the situation. When testing is complete for the day keep students on task and proceed with your day as normal. Promote a positive test environment. Leave your students little notes or have volunteers to send treats.
I have made for my readers ONLY an awesome FREE download. It is motivational testing treat labels that can be used for coworkers or students. CLICK HERE or on the image to download your FREE testing treat labels. I hope you can use these to promote a positive and stress free testing atmosphere.
Thank you so much for stopping by and taking a peek! I hope you found some helpful testing tips for teachers to help get you through the testing season. I would love to hear from you! In the comments below, tell me any tips you have that make the testing season easier. Please feel free to save or pin the images below to your Pinterest boards.
If you are looking for solutions to other classroom challenges be sure to check out Classroom Challenges and Solutions for the New Year Blog Post.
