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5 Motivational Ideas for State Testing: Eliminating Stress and Encouraging Growth Mindset

It's that time of year again – state testing! The days leading up to state tests can feel stressful for students. As teachers, we want to encourage our students to be motivated to do their best on a test but hopefully eliminate as much stress as possible. Use these FIVE easy motivational ideas for state testing to introduce a little bit of excitement to your class as you prepare for the big day!

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#1: Start with a Growth Mindset!

The best way to get rid of testing jitters is to talk to your students about the test so they know what to expect but more importantly to let them that it is one test in the continuum of many more in their lives. It is only one of many indicators of how well they will succeed in the future.

The main goal is to do their personal best! By promoting a growth mindset your students will feel encouraged that they are ready for the test!

The best way to do this? Encouraging phrases and ideas that the students can hold on to and repeat to themselves during testing!

The Growth Mindset Slides, Journals, and Positive Notes Resource is the perfect way to kick off testing! Click here to check them out!

There are ten motivational slides that include correlating journal pages! You can:

  • Share the motivational slide
  • Discuss as a class
  • Have students journal their own thoughts (journal pages included)
  • Follow up with a positive note

#2 Involve Students' Parents (FREE letter!)

Engaging parents with a growth mindset can be a powerful way to motivate students for state testing. Be sure to notify your students' parents well in advance about the testing dates, and offer them practical ideas on how to support their children in the days leading up to the tests. Encouraging a growth mindset can also be helpful, and you can find a FREE parent letter in the blog's resource library. If you're not a member yet, sign up here to access this valuable resource.

#3 Decorate Your Classroom

During testing, you probably have to take down or cover up all the academic posters and charts you have. So now is the perfect time to decorate with motivational banners that encourage students to have a growth mindset. Make it extra special by adding a few balloons or streamers. After all, our students get to shine and show off everything they know!

These motivational testing banners have three options!

  • Write-In Banners
  • Coloring Banners
  • Ready-Made Banners

While the coloring banners might seem a little elementary; having students color is a perfect motivational test prep activity because it gives their brains a break. Coloring is fun and can help calm students' anxiety.

Now on testing day, when students look around the room, the colorful banners with positive messages will help encourage them to keep going and try their best! Click here to see the Growth Mindset Motivational Banners

#4 Positive Testing Videos

Youtube is a great resource with videos you can share with students.

5 Tips for Coping with Test Anxiety (for kids!)

The Mindset of a Champion (Ted Talk by a 5th Grader)

#5 Pajama Day on Testing Day

Let your students wear their PJs on testing day! Your students will LOVE this idea! It's a fun way to distract students a little bit before the test. Coming to school in pajamas on the testing day will guarantee that they are dressed comfortably too!

state testing can be a stressful and anxiety-inducing experience for many students, but with the right mindset and preparation, they can overcome these challenges and excel. By using motivational ideas for state testing like setting achievable goals, practicing positive self-talk, engaging parents, and staying physically and mentally healthy, students can feel more confident and focused on test day. Remember to also remind your students that their worth and intelligence are not defined by their test scores, and that their hard work and effort are what truly matter. With these tips in mind, you can help your students not only succeed in state testing, but also develop important skills and habits that will benefit them for years to come.

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Growth Mindset Test Prep Motivation Slides, Journals, and Notes

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