For a multitude of teachers and kids, the anticipation of spring and excitement of summer break are shrouded by stressful thoughts that emerge during testing season. Of course, if you’re an educator, you can’t get away from it, stress is your ever present companion, it’s an inherent part of the job, especially during this time of year. To add insult to injury, if your students do poorly, it’s on you.
Just ponder about this for a moment, your daily agenda is upset because your established routines have been interrupted and you can’t teach what you want. So you, and the kiddos are feeling out of whack just like strangers in a strange classroom. #testingtime.
There’s a plethora of information out there to prepare kids academically and psychologically for what they are about to embark upon, but what about the anxiety that you, the teacher feels? Luckily, you’ve come to the right place, cause I’ve got you covered with some survival tips that will allow you to maintain your sanity and get you through standardized testing, relatively unscathed.
First off, understand what is acceptable and not acceptable during testing. Ready yourself, as you would your class. Attend staff meetings and training that will prepare you, and remember to ask questions if you have any.
As teachers, we like to have complete jurisdiction over our classrooms, but when testing time comes around, that’s another story. We have no say as to the type of test given, what questions are asked or when it will be taken. However, there are some things we CAN control! One of these is to put yourself into the right frame of mind. 
Eat right, get plenty of sleep and exercise. Yoga, Qigong, meditation, breathing right, will all help to calm your mind so that you can walk into your room feeling at peace. Remember, when you’re serene your students will feel your calming presence and they’ll respond in a positive manner. By the way, chewing gum and eating mints before testing will help reduce anxiety in your students as well as yourself.
DON’T attempt to take on new projects, programs or anything else that might cause undue stress for you and your students. DON’T be afraid to nicely say no to someone if need be, they’ll understand where you’re coming from. DO talk to your compatriots, and support each other by lending a shoulder or an ear. Remember to also discuss non-school related interests such as a trip you’re planning, a great movie, a groovy concert you’re going to, or anything to take your mind off testing. This will help ease some of your anxiety and make the process run smoother.
You know, your classroom isn’t only a home away from home for you, but also for your kiddos. It should be the kind of place where you all enjoy spending time together. Make it warm, comfy and cozy, this will not only make everyone feel good, but it will give the children a safe haven, a one where they feel loved and accepted. This type of environment will ensure the best possible opportunity for your students to be successful in whatever they do, and yes, even for their standardized test. #ihomeawayfromhoime
Wouldn’t it be nice if your parent teacher organization, administration or even some of the staff show that you’re all appreciated, especially during this difficult time of year. They could put some flowers, pretty notepads, pens, uplifting messages and some candy bars in the teachers lounge for everyone to enjoy. To help celebrate the end of testing, how about a special luncheon with 
tablecloths, nice dishes and silverware, the whole 9 yards. A little bit of love goes a long way. #littlebitoflove
One last thing, know that you’ve done your best to teach your students. You can’t control how they do on their test. All you can do is set them on the right path, the rest is up to them. Sooo, give yourself a pat on the back, you deserve it. #bekindtoyourself! Remember there’s a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Well, not really, but you’re a bit closer to summer vacay and that speaks for itself.
This podcast with my We Teach So Hard #BFFs has even more info about that dreaded Standardized Testing…Be sure to listen!
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Speaking about the end of the year, here’s a resource for you to honor your students.
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This post is part of March Teacher Talk. Make sure you click the links below to visit all of our members.
Love the hashtags!!
Thanks Lisa
These are great tips, Deann! I never look forward to testing! And I love the idea of parents letting teachers know we’re appreciated during stressful testing time (better than Teacher Appreciation Week)!
Thanks Kathie
What a nice article! It was so pleasant to read. Besides all of the wonderful tips you provided, a different perspective about testing time could be taken. I always looked at it as a time that involves less “homework” for teachers. Less lesson planning, less papers to correct. This could be a time to do a project that was always put on the back burner due to the responsibilities of planning and correcting always taking priority. Also, with less time devoted to planning/correcting, one COULD go to a late afternoon early movie!!
Great idea about taking in a movie. Margo.
Thanks for the reflection on test taking stress. I tend to plow forward, but I totally agree with being kind to yourself and setting up a positive and relaxed environment in the classroom.