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Calm and Confident: Tackling Test Anxiety

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Laura Coffey

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Calm and Confident: Tackling Test Anxiety

test anxiety

This lesson aims to help 2nd graders understand and manage test anxiety through a guided discussion. By addressing their feelings and learning simple coping strategies, students can build confidence and reduce stress during tests. This lesson is important as it empowers young learners to approach tests with a positive mindset, ultimately enhancing their academic performance and emotional well-being.

Audience

2nd grade students

Time

15 mins

Approach

Materials

Discussion Questions, and Relaxation Story

Step 1

Introduction

3 mins

  • Begin by asking students if they know what a test is and how they feel about taking tests.
  • Explain that it's normal to feel nervous about tests, but there are ways to feel better.

Step 2

Guided Discussion and Breathing Exercise

5 mins

  • Use the provided discussion questions to guide a conversation about test anxiety.
  • Encourage students to share their feelings and experiences with tests.
  • Introduce a simple breathing exercise: Inhale slowly through the nose for a count of four, hold for a count of four, and exhale slowly through the mouth for a count of four. Repeat this three times.
  • Discuss how this exercise can help calm nerves before or during a test.

Step 3

Role-Playing Exercise

5 mins

  • Divide students into pairs and assign roles: one student is the 'test-taker' and the other is the 'supportive friend.'
  • The 'test-taker' expresses feelings of anxiety about an upcoming test.
  • The 'supportive friend' suggests coping strategies, such as the breathing exercise or positive self-talk.
  • After a few minutes, have students switch roles.
  • Discuss as a class how it felt to both give and receive support.

Step 4

Closure with Relaxation Story

2 mins

  • Summarize the key points discussed.
  • Read a short relaxation story to help students relax and visualize a calm and confident test-taking experience.
  • Encourage students to try one of the strategies next time they feel anxious about a test.
  • Remind them that it's okay to ask for help if they need it.
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Reading

Relaxation Story

A short story designed to help students relax and visualize a calm and confident test-taking experience.

Once upon a time, in a peaceful meadow, there was a little bird named Charlie. Charlie loved to sing and fly high in the sky. One day, Charlie felt nervous about flying over a big hill. But Charlie remembered to take deep breaths, just like we practiced. Inhale... hold... exhale... Charlie felt calm and confident. With a deep breath, Charlie soared over the hill, singing a beautiful song. Charlie realized that with calm breaths and a positive mind, anything was possible. And from that day on, Charlie flew over many hills, always remembering to breathe and believe in himself.

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