Lesson Plan

Taming Test Jitters

Students will identify their test-related anxiety triggers and learn practical strategies—deep breathing, guided visualization, and personalized coping plans—to manage stress and improve focus during exams.

Managing test anxiety enhances emotional resilience, increases concentration, and bolsters confidence, helping students perform at their best and reduce overwhelming stress on test day.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Test Anxiety

5 minutes

Step 2

Complete Self-Assessment

5 minutes

Step 3

Practice Deep Breathing

5 minutes

Step 4

Guided Visualization

5 minutes

Step 5

Develop Coping Plan

7 minutes

Step 6

Reflection & Closing

3 minutes

Slide Deck

Taming Test Jitters

Greet the student and introduce the session. Explain that our goal is to learn tools to recognize and manage test anxiety. Walk through today’s outline and encourage the student to be open about their experiences.

Identifying Your Triggers

Hand out the worksheet and guide the student through identifying at least three personal test-anxiety triggers. Discuss how each trigger feels and why it happens.

Deep Breathing Exercise

Demonstrate the 4-7-8 breathing technique slowly. Use a timer or count out loud for each phase. Observe and correct the student’s posture and pace.

Guided Visualization

Play the [Calm Background Music Playlist](#calm-background-music-playlist) at low volume. Read slowly from the [Test Day Visualization Script](#test-day-visualization-script), pausing for the student to imagine each detail.

Building Your Coping Plan

Review the student’s identified triggers and brainstorm coping strategies. Support them in completing each section of the template with clear, actionable steps.

Next Steps & Resources

Encourage the student to practice these strategies before upcoming tests. Schedule a brief follow-up to review progress and adjust the plan as needed.

Lesson Plan

Taming Test Jitters

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

Step 1

Introduction to Test Anxiety

Step 2

Complete Self-Assessment

Step 3

Practice Deep Breathing

Step 4

Guided Visualization

Step 5

Develop Coping Plan

Step 6

Reflection & Closing

Slide Deck

Taming Test Jitters

Identifying Your Triggers

Deep Breathing Exercise

Guided Visualization

Building Your Coping Plan

Next Steps & Resources

Worksheet

Worksheet

Reading

Worksheet

Taming Test Jitters

Kaytlin