As standardized testing approaches, I know teachers all over the country are prepping and probably worrying too. But as the test inches closer students tend to get more and more nervous. We all want to help students stay positive and encouraged throughout the testing week. Here are a few tips on how to stay positive during testing.
Positive Mindset
Use positive mindset talk in your classroom. Some may call it positive talk but however you refer to it, I’m sure you use it in your class year round. Practicing a positive mindset all year, means when testing comes it’s simple to adjust your positive talk toward the test.
Test Treats
Each year at testing time our school transforms. Our halls are decorated with testing posters made by students. The younger students make cards for the older students. Teachers and students in all grades work together to encourage our students who will be testing. We have fun assemblies and even have a parade that the testing grades walk in. Younger students hold up signs and cheer them on. The teachers and staff dress in matching shirts with encouraging messages. During lunch we draw names for prizes ensuring that each student receives an award by the end of each week.
The cafeteria even gets in on the fun too. They give each student a small gift as they pick up their lunch tray each day. You can make testing week special by giving each student a small treat each day before testing. I use these testing encouragement treats each day to ensure each day is special for my students. This set includes 34 different testing treat notes.
Parent Encouragement
One of my best tips for how to stay positive during testing is to get parents involved. I keep parents in the loop so they know all about testing. My favorite thing to do is to have parents write encouraging notes to their child. A few weeks before testing I send home an envelope with a note for parents about testing. the note list the usual things, like how important it is for their child to eat breakfast and get enough rest. I also add a letter about how parents can help encourage their child during testing. I ask parents to write a note to their child that they can read each day before testing. Parents love this idea and are always willing to help. Each morning day I place one note on their desk. When the students come in they can read the notes before we begin testing. If you have student who’s parents don’t respond have other teachers and staff write notes to those students.
We all know testing is a big deal. We know how important it is for funding our schools, retaining our staff and literally keeping the doors open. As I have shared how to stay positive during testing remember your students have learned so much. They have learned much more than what can be determined by a test. These tests do not determine a student’s success. You are with your students each day and you have seen the many obstacles that they have faced each day. You have seen them work hard and surpass your expectations all year long. A standardized test can not measure the successes you have seen as a teacher this year. On the days before testing, spend less time focusing on testing content and more time encouraging students. Remind them that letting them you are proud no matter what.
