Rockin' the Test with LESS Anxiety

As the month nears the end, so does our month long series of "Rockin' the Test with Less Prep and Less Stress."  Today's topic includes ways to relief anxiety.

My son is 12 and is autistic.  He is SOOOO smart, but HATES tests.  His perfectionism does not help the situation at all.  Before any major tests, we go through a routine to help calm his nerves and help him understand what to expect.  Through him and a few others that I have taught along the way, I have learned a thing or two about how I can help the kids not stress out quite so much.  

Here are some of the things we do:

• Schedule breaks--Sometimes we (teachers) can't control the schedule we are given in which we must test.  But, whenever possible, allow the kids to get up and move around.  Just knowing there will be some time to relax can help!  

• Let the kids eat mints or chew gum--Not only is there research that peppermint can "open" up the mind, but having something in their mouth can help them focus on something besides their anxiety.

• Practice breathing techniques--Slow, thoughtful breathing can help relax the body and the mind.  

• Give them something to look forward to--Plan some fun in the afternoon, assign NO homework all week, let them bring in a stuffed animal from home.  Any of these things can give a child something to look forward to and focus on rather than the anxiety they are feeling.

• Stretches and exercise--Before, during a break, and after the test allow them to do some stretches, get their "wiggles" out, and maybe even play a game!  In my class, during each break, we played a quick round of silent ball.  Kids who wanted to participate could move around the room quietly to play the game.  Those who wanted to just stretch or walk around could do that.  Everyone had to stay quiet (classrooms nearby were still testing and we weren't "allowed" to let them talk with tests to finish).  

• It's all about the wording--Unfortunately, some states have adopted policies that we know are NOT in the students' best interests.  However, right before the test is not the time to remind kids that if they don't pass the test, they don't (fill in the blank with your state's threat!).  Instead, reassure them that this is similar to the classroom tests we take each week in our class.  They are testing ME, not you.  I just want to see what you know, what you are learning, and what I still need to teach you.  Using words that put the "work" on you instead of the kids can really ease stress!

Whatever you decide to do, just make sure YOU stay calm and relaxed.  If you are calm, they will feed off that energy and be calm too.  Remember, you are a super HERO to them and they look up to you.  Here's to a SUPER year of state testing for you and your kids!

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Check out these previous posts about ways to prepare for the state testing:

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And, enter for your chance to win one of 2 $10 Target cards.  That can help relieve a LITTLE stress!

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Speaking of SUPERHEROES, have you heard?!?!  TPT is having a sale!

Check out all of our stores to score some major deals!

An InLinkz Link-up

Rockin' the online test with Scootpad!

 

Many teachers are getting nervous this year because in addition to taking a completely new test, their students will be taking it online! It doesn't help that the data coming out of the schools that beta tested the system last year is dismal. I scoured the internet looking for something (other than the few sample test questions) for my students to do to get test prep practice, and I was excited to find a free program called Scootpad!

With Scootpad, Students can write and draw on the questions, skip questions, and answer fill-in-the-bank. When we first started using Scootpad in my classroom, even my top students were getting less than 50% on the activities! After two months of using it once a week and at home, most of them are getting close to 100%! It really shows what a transition it is from paper problems to computerized problems!

My favorite part about Scootpad is that you have control over what type of questions they're reviewing. I whipped out my data and looked for the standards my class was struggling with as a whole. You can also create assignments for individual students. 

After you setup your class and add your students, it's very easy to add a new assignment and select a few standards for them to work on. You can also choose how many 10-question assignments to have them work on. I usually do 4 assignments for each standard.

 

Not only is Scootpad great practice, but my students really enjoy it. They like using the computers and they love the rewards you can earn in Scootpad. The last 5 minutes of every session I allow them to look through the reward section of the website. They can buy avatars, wallpapers, and  games with the coins they get for completely assignments. You can also assign your own rewards, such as candy and homework passes. When they "redeem" in their Scootpad account, you can view it in your teacher account. At the end of every week I go through and hand out all of the rewards.

  Is your school taking your state test online this year? Tell us in the comments below!  

Making Test Prep Fun!

Let's face it... when the word "testing" is mentioned, here are some things that happen:

• blood pressure rises
• palms begin to sweat
• brains go haywire
• nerves are shot
• stomachs begin to ache
• heart rate rises
• breathing quickens

Did you think I was talking about the students? That is just the teachers! 

Now think about what our poor students are feeling! They experience the same symptoms that we do. Testing, in most cases, can be summed up in one word - STRESSFUL!

It's February, and most of us won't test until May. That means we still have plenty of time to teach our students (and ourselves) to R-E-L-A-X! We know we have done our jobs, and we know our students are wonderful, so now we just all have to take a deep breath.

My best tip for testing is to prepare early. How can you do that?

1. Talk about "THE TEST!" I mention it to my students weekly, if not daily. I let them know that what we are learning will be on the test. I think talking about it often lets them be more comfortable with it. They know they will be taking it and they know it's important. So let's talk about it! :)
2. Make learning fun! Sure, sometimes they have to listen to us talk. There are certainly times for them to listen, be quiet, and take notes. But if you can, make learning fun! This can be done through projects, task cards, interactive white board games, BINGO games... the list goes on.
3. Take brain breaks! If you've ever read any of my posts, then you know how much I love brain breaks! My particular favorite is Go Noodle! This is a FREE site that allows students to be active during transitional times or just when they need a break! My students love it so much that I ordered them Go Noodle valentines. They were a hit!
4. Change it up! I am a person that thrives on routine. Now obviously, there are never two days exactly the same when it comes to being in the classroom! However, most days, I can stick to a schedule. My students know that we will do Daily 5 for an hour each morning. They know after lunch to get out their Wordly Wise vocabulary books. Sometimes, though, when I'm going on and on and on about a topic in math, I can see their minds wander. When this happens, I change it up and I always get them back on task. Stop and do something different - a quick check for understanding, a turn-and-talk activity, a quick brain break... anything. Just a change of pace, even a fast one, will work wonders.
5. Play "Beat the Teacher!" - This is always a hit in the classroom. This is a simple game that is guaranteed to get your students' attention! Simply pick a topic and come up with some questions. If the students get the questions right - they get points. If they get the questions wrong - the points go to the teacher! The object of the game is to get more points than the teacher, hence the name, "Beat the Teacher!" I have created five math games for "Beat the Teacher." These are for sale in my store if you're interested. They will be on sale for $1 each through Tuesday!  Also, I will be happy to create new "Beat the Teacher" games. If you have an idea, please leave a comment below and I will create it and post it in my store. 

Here are my "Beat the Teacher" games, available in my store if you're interested:

I hope I've given you a few new ways to relax before the big test. Just remember, as a teacher, you've put your heart and soul into your students, so don't be too hard on yourself. Do your job to the best of your ability, set high expectations for your students, and then relax.

You've got this!

Rockin' the Test with Less Prep and Less Stress!

Tests. Assessments. Exams.  Do you dread these words as a teacher? Do your students shiver with fear at the thought of them?  Then, by all means, you need to stay tuned to Upper Grade Memoirs all throughout the month of February!  Our group of seasoned teachers have some great blog posts coming your way to help you and your students not only survive the test, but ROCK THE TEST!

Here is a sneak peek at what is in store during the month of February at UGM:

• Apps and Websites to Maximize Test Review Time
• Playing Games to Help Prepare for the Big Day
• Easing the Stress of Testing for Students
• Using Scootpad for Test Prep
• Overcoming Test Anxiety
• Reading Skills Jeopardy
• Test Prep with Task Cards
• And Much More!

That's not all!  To help 2 lucky teachers de-stress, there will be a fun giveaway later this month. Make sure you are following along, so you don't miss out!  (Hint......  Bull's Eye ;) )