Middle School Test Anxiety Activities
A short practice activity for grades 6–8 to help students make a plan for what to do when they freeze at the start of a test.
Find one question to start with
- Read aloud: “Avery sees the first question on a science test and can’t think of an answer.”
- Display these practice questions: “Name one thing plants need to grow. Describe how a seed changes as it grows. Circle the living thing: a rock, a tree, or a pencil.” Ask students to point to the one they would start with.
- Model a plan: “If I get stuck, I’ll put my feet on the floor, read the directions again, and start with a question I understand if the test allows it.” Ask students to try the plan with the sample questions.
- Close with “What could you say to yourself when you freeze?” Offer this line: “I can take a moment and find one place to start.”