Lesson Plan

Zap Test Jitters

Students will learn and practice two kid-friendly strategies—mindful breathing and positive self-talk—to manage test anxiety, build confidence, and improve focus during tests.

Helping students recognize and reduce test anxiety promotes better concentration, boosts self-confidence, and supports positive test performance and overall well-being.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Feeling Check

2 minutes

Step 2

Direct Instruction: Mindful Breathing

4 minutes

Step 3

Practice Activity: Positive Self-Talk

5 minutes

Step 4

Cool-Down: Reflection & Wrap-Up

4 minutes

Slide Deck

Zap Your Test Jitters!

Welcome everyone! Today we’re going to learn two simple ways to zap test jitters so you feel calm and ready.

Warm-Up: Feeling Check

Ask for a show of hands and invite a few students to describe their ‘butterflies.’ Validate their feelings as normal.

Mindful Breathing

Point to the poster and explain each step slowly. Model the counts with your fingers.

Let’s Breathe Together!

Lead the whole class in 2–3 rounds of breathing. Count aloud so students can follow along.

Positive Self-Talk

Hand out the self-talk cards. Read one example, then have students repeat. Then pair students up.

Reflection & Wrap-Up

Sit students in a circle. Ask how they feel now versus the start. End with one last group breath.

Lesson Plan

Zap Test Jitters

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

Step 1

Warm-Up: Feeling Check

Step 2

Direct Instruction: Mindful Breathing

Step 3

Practice Activity: Positive Self-Talk

Step 4

Cool-Down: Reflection & Wrap-Up

Slide Deck

Zap Your Test Jitters!

Warm-Up: Feeling Check

Mindful Breathing

Let’s Breathe Together!

Positive Self-Talk

Reflection & Wrap-Up

Activity

Worksheet

Zap Test Jitters

Danielle Rollins