Choosing a next step for test-day stress

Learning goal

Use a brief pause and one clear test-taking action.

A school situation

Riley notices tense shoulders before a quiz and keeps looking at how quickly others write.

Words the student could use

“I can rest my hands, look back at my own paper, and read the first direction. I can ask the teacher to clarify the direction.”

Another situation

Jordan sees a difficult question and thinks the whole test will go badly.

What could the student ask or do?

One possible response

“One question is hard. I can mark it, move to a question I understand, and return if time allows.”

My school support card

I can point to or choose one: □ Show me the first step. □ Help me check the information. □ I need a private conversation. □ I need a pause with an adult.

My request: ________________________________________________

A school adult I can ask: ________________________________

If that adult is away: another available teacher, counselor, or office adult.

Words a school adult could use “We can work on one part at a time. Would you like help checking information, starting the first step, or asking for a private conversation?”

Check-in note Student request: ________________________________ Support agreed: ________________________________ School adult and time to check back: ________________________________