Lesson Plan

Beat Test Jitters Lesson Plan

Students will understand what test anxiety is and learn two simple coping strategies—deep breathing and positive self-talk—to manage stress before and during tests.

This lesson helps students recognize their test-related stress, fostering empathy and self-awareness. By practicing coping strategies in a safe group setting, students build confidence and resilience to face future tests with less anxiety.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up and Introduction

5 minutes

Step 2

Discuss Test Anxiety

10 minutes

Step 3

Coping Strategy Practice

10 minutes

Step 4

Reflection and Closure

5 minutes

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Slide Deck

Beat Test Jitters

Welcome students and introduce today’s focus. Explain that test anxiety is a normal feeling and we’ll learn tools to manage it.

What Is Test Anxiety?

Ask a few students to share quick examples of feeling nervous before a quiz. Point out that these “butterflies” are called test anxiety.

Sharing Our Test Jitters

Pass out the Test Jitters Prompt Cards. Invite each student to draw one, read it aloud, and share a time they felt that way. Write key words on chart paper.

Coping Strategy 1: Deep Breathing

Introduce the breathing exercise. Model one full cycle slowly. Encourage students to follow along and count silently.

Coping Strategy 2: Positive Self-Talk

Explain positive self-talk and give examples. Ask students to call out phrases they could say to themselves. Record a few on the board.

Let’s Practice Together

Guide students through one round of breathing followed by saying their self-talk phrase aloud. Praise their effort and encourage focus.

Reflection & Closure

Ask each student to choose one strategy and write it down on a slip of paper. Remind them to keep it in their desk to use anytime they feel test jitters.

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Worksheet

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Worksheet

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Cool Down

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Beat Test Jitters

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