Mindful Test Prep: Relax & Focus

Samantha Petroski

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Mindful Test Prep: Relax & Focus

Gain a skill for SAT testing, test anxiety

This lesson focuses on equipping students with mindfulness techniques to manage test anxiety, a common barrier to academic success. By engaging in a guided meditation and collaborative activities, students will learn to relax and focus, enhancing their test-taking skills. This lesson is crucial for students in alternative education settings, as it addresses both emotional and academic challenges, fostering a supportive learning environment.

Audience

High school students in alternative education

Time

45 mins

Approach

Collaborative Learning, Active Learning, Game-Based Learning, Trauma-Informed Teaching

Materials

Discussion Questions, How to Overcome Test Anxiety Video, Relaxation Techniques Worksheet, Exit Ticket, and Answer Key

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on test anxiety and its impact on performance.
Introduce the objective of the lesson: learning to manage anxiety through mindfulness.

Step 2

Discussion

10 mins

Use the provided discussion questions to explore students' experiences with test anxiety.
Encourage sharing and validate their feelings, emphasizing that anxiety is common and manageable.

Step 3

Video & Discussion

10 mins

Play the How to Overcome Test Anxiety video.
Discuss the strategies mentioned in the video and how they can be applied to students' own experiences.

Step 4

Collaborative Activity

15 mins

Distribute the Relaxation Techniques Worksheet.
In pairs, have students practice the breathing techniques and discuss how they feel.
Encourage them to share any new insights or feelings of relaxation.

Step 5

Closure & Exit Ticket

5 mins

Recap the key points of the lesson.
Distribute the Exit Ticket for students to reflect on what they learned and how they can apply it.
Collect the Exit Tickets to assess understanding and provide feedback.

0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Discussion

Discussion on Test Anxiety

This discussion aims to explore students' experiences with test anxiety and how it affects their performance.

What are some feelings or thoughts you experience before a test?

Encourage students to share openly, validating their experiences and emphasizing that anxiety is a common feeling.

How do you usually cope with these feelings?

Discuss various coping mechanisms, highlighting both positive and negative strategies.

What do you think could help you feel more relaxed during a test?

Guide students to think about practical strategies, such as mindfulness or breathing exercises.

Worksheet

Relaxation Techniques Worksheet

This worksheet guides students through mindfulness and breathing exercises to help manage test anxiety.

Describe how you felt before and after the meditation exercise.

Think about any changes in your physical sensations or emotions.

What breathing technique did you find most helpful? Why?

Consider the techniques demonstrated in the video and during the activity.

How can you use these techniques during a test?

Reflect on practical ways to incorporate mindfulness into your test-taking routine.

Quiz

Exit Ticket: Mindfulness Reflection

Answer Key

Answer Key: Relaxation Techniques Worksheet

This answer key provides guidance on expected responses for the Relaxation Techniques Worksheet.

Describe how you felt before and after the meditation exercise.

Varies; expected to mention increased calmness or focus.
Students should note any changes in their emotional or physical state, such as feeling calmer or more focused.

What breathing technique did you find most helpful? Why?

Varies; expected to mention specific techniques like deep breathing.
Students should identify a technique and explain its impact, such as feeling more relaxed or centered.

How can you use these techniques during a test?

Varies; expected to mention using breathing or mindfulness to reduce anxiety.
Students should reflect on practical applications, such as using breathing exercises to calm nerves before or during a test.