It’s that time of year! Standardized testing season is a familiar part of the school year, but for many students, it brings stress, anxiety, and self-doubt. As educators, we see this pressure firsthand—students doubting their abilities, second-guessing answers, and sometimes tying their self-worth to a single score. While we can't eliminate the testing itself, we can help students approach it with confidence and a healthy mindset. With some thoughtful planning and compassionate teaching strategies, educators can help turn testing season into a time of growth and resilience rather than anxiety and burnout.

Normalize the Nerves

Start by acknowledging that test anxiety is completely normal. When students know it’s okay to feel nervous, they’re less likely to internalize those feelings as a sign of weakness. A simple class discussion can go a long way in alleviating nerves. Let your students know they aren't alone: “Lots of people feel a little nervous before a big test—even adults! It just means you care. But we’re going to work together so you’re prepared and know exactly what to expect.” Validating students’ emotions helps set the tone for a safe and supportive environment where they feel more comfortable while testing.

Reframe the Narrative

Many students believe standardized tests define their intelligence or academic worth. As educators, we can challenge that mindset by emphasizing that these tests are just one way to measure progress. Use classroom language that focuses on learning and growth, such as:

• • “This is just a check-in to see what we still need to work on.”
  • “It’s okay if you don’t know everything—do your best and show what you know!”
  • “Your value as a learner can’t be measured by a single score.”

Shifting the narrative helps relieve some pressure and encourages students to focus on effort, not perfection.

Provide Strategic Practice

Familiarity breeds confidence. A simple way to build confidence is to incorporate low-stakes practice into your routine so students get used to testing formats without feeling overwhelmed. Here are a few more ways to approach helpful practice:

• • Break practice tests into manageable chunks and use them as teaching tools, not just assessments.
  • Discuss strategies like eliminating wrong answers, looking for keywords, and managing time.
  • Allow space for students to reflect on what felt hard or confusing and why.

If your school provides online practice platforms, you may consider incorporating them into your lesson plans or tutoring centers to help reduce testing anxiety and increase student comfort levels for test taking. Exposure to testing practice in a low-stakes setting may be beneficial for reducing testing anxiety as well.

Create a Calm Testing Environment

The testing atmosphere can be just as important as the content review. Think about ways to build calm, focus, and confidence in your classroom. In the weeks leading up to testing, you might:

• • Model deep breathing or mindfulness routines
  • Offer affirmations or class mantras to recite together
  • Introduce stress-relief tools like quiet fidgets or “calm corners”

On test days, greet students warmly, play soft background music before the test begins, and provide a small positive note or treat at their desks. These little touches can create a sense of care and calm, setting students more at ease.

Empower with Coping Strategies

No matter how prepared students are, nerves can still surface mid-test. Teach them coping tools they can use silently and independently, such as:

• • Box breathing (inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4)
  • Positive self-talk (“I can do hard things,” “I am doing my best”)
  • Stretch breaks at their seat to release tension

Consider practicing these strategies as a class so they become second nature. You can even create a “Calm Strategies” anchor chart to review together before test days.

Celebrate the Process

After testing, shift the focus away from scores and celebrate the hard work your students put in. Host a “Testing is Over!” celebration with music, games, or extra recess. Acknowledge their effort and perseverance rather than performance. Phrases like, “You really pushed through even when it got tricky” or “I’m proud of how focused you stayed” reinforce a growth mindset. This encourages students to value the learning journey—not just the outcome.

Partner with Families

Keep parents in the loop with clear and positive communication. Let them know when testing is happening, how they can help at home (sleep, breakfast, encouragement), and what kind of support their child might need. You may consider sending home a brief one-pager with tips for a smooth testing week or a class newsletter with updates and affirmations. When families feel informed, they’re better equipped to reinforce your efforts at home.

In the end, it’s not just about the test—it’s about the child. When we create a classroom culture that values effort, growth, and emotional well-being, we equip our students not only to survive the testing season but to thrive in it.

Before You Go...

Mobile Ed's Quest for Kindness assembly program doesn't just teach kindness and respect, it helps instill healthy coping mechanisms by taking students on an exciting adventure where they face their fears together. Designed to help expand emotional intelligence, this interactive program helps students identify complex and difficult emotions, then equip them with tools to manage that stress. Consider taking your students on a Quest for Kindness by contacting Mobile Ed today!