Introduction

• Have students silently reflect on the prompt: “Take a moment to think about your experiences with tests or exams. Have you ever felt nervous, stressed, or blanked during a test - even when you were prepared?” 

• Remind students that if they answered yes, they are not alone. Test anxiety is extremely common—even among high-performing students. It doesn’t mean you’re unprepared or weak—it’s just your brain reacting to pressure. The good news? There are proven ways to manage it.

***If you already use tech that allows quick anonymous polling in the classroom (e.g. Mentimeter, Poll Everywhere, Kahoot, etc.), you can pose this question via that polling system.

Have you ever experienced test anxiety?

A. Yes, often

B. Yes, sometimes

C. Yes, rarely

D. Never

This approach helps normalize the experience without asking students to reveal anything personal aloud, and it gives you a snapshot of how relevant the topic is to your students.

Activity - Test Day Toolbox

• Have students discuss in pairs or small groups

  • What are some test anxiety symptoms or situations you have experienced? Think physical, emotional, and cognitive/behavioral.

  • What are some strategies that you may help ease that anxiety?

• Novel Idea Debrief Strategy

  • Have each group share out one strategy they discussed. They should only share a strategy that has not been shared yet. Write on the board or type into a slide each strategy that is shared. Keep having groups share until there are no more new strategies shared. If a group runs out of strategies that have not been shared, they can say "All of ours have been said, but the one we like most was..." to keep all groups engaged.

Activity - Quick Calm Practice

• Lead students through a brief calming technique or through a confidence building technique they can use before a test. Here are two options:

  • Box Breathing Exercise

    • Sit comfortable. Inhale slowly through your nose for 4, 3, 2, 1. Hold for 4, 3, 2, 1. Exhale slowly for 4, 3, 2, 1. Inhale slowly through your nose for 4, 3, 2, 1. Hold for 4, 3, 2, 1. Exhale slowly for 4, 3, 2, 1.

    • Ask if anyone would like to share how that exercise felt for them and why they think it might be helpful for reducing test anxiety.

      • This breathing technique regulates your nervous system and reduces physical symptoms of anxiety (like heart racing).

  • Power Pose and Affirmation Exercise

    • Stand (or sit tall), roll your shoulders back, breathe in, and silently repeat: I am ready. I am capable. Hold the pose for 30 seconds.

    • Ask if anyone would like to share how that exercise felt for them and why they think it might be helpful for reducing test anxiety.

      • Adopting confident body language increases feelings of control and lowers stress hormones.

Wrap-Up

• Ask 1–2 students to share a strategy they’re going to try before or during the next test.

• Remind students that confidence is a skill that builds with practice—and managing anxiety doesn’t mean eliminating it but learning to respond calmly.