We had our first day of FSA Math testing today. The FSA is the Florida standardized “test” which is actually the “AIR” test, and, well, you know, I’m sure they are all just about the same anyway. Or not. Who knows, we’re not allowed to look at it or talk about it. Can you tell I’m not a big fan? I don’t mind the idea of a standardized test, I just don’t agree with the way we test now. Anyway, that is NOT the point of this post.
The point of this post? TEST ANXIETY.
The answer? GO NOODLE!
Go Noodle has been shared everywhere by teachers and if you haven’t tried it in your classroom yet, just go and do it! Need a brain break? Go Noodle. Need indoor recess? Go Noodle. Need to refocus your students? Go Noodle. Need to reduce test anxiety? Yup. Go Noodle. Check it out here.
Today, before the BIG test, my students were super anxious. They LOVE math but get easily frustrated. I wanted to calm them down and give them strategies to use during the test that would help to reduce anxiety if needed.
I used the “Empower Tools” Channel and we watched and participated in “Relieve Anxiety”.
The video demonstrated simple breathing exercises and some movement that could easily be done during a test. After the video, all of my students agreed that they felt calmer. We discussed how they could “relieve anxiety” during the test in front of their computer if needed. During the test, I was happy to see some arms being raised to stretch – I just knew they were using the calming breathing technique!
It was a simple thing to add to my students’ strategy tool box before the big test! We’re going to try another one before day 2 of testing begins tomorrow! Do you Go Noodle?
Relax!
Debbie
Love these ideas and Love GO Noodle! Great post..thanks for sharing!
State test time in our house is always hectic. However, I'm happy to say that this year the emphasis on state tests from my children's teachers has been minimal. We love GO NOODLE and they have such useful and entertaining resources to engage students.
I love this. My daughter stresses over tests big time. I might work on this with her.
I love the Empower Tools channel! Try it!
My class loves Go Noodle! We do similar things in my class during testing. I am excited to try the relieve anxiety activity. I haven't tried that yet. Thanks for sharing.
I hope it works for your class! We love Go Noodle! I love to drive my kiddos crazy with Kitty High Five! ๐
Great post! I agree with anything that's going to allow kids to be kids and let them relax! Go Noodle is so much fun! We don't stress tests in our house! It's just one snapshot of what they know at a particular point!
Yes! Unfortunately, there is a still a lot of pressure on kids to perform! Go Noodle is lots of fun and has so many great activities!
Thanks