Taking tests can be anxiety-inducing events to many students and adults. Pine Bush High School Spanish teacher Kristin Raucci has been helping alleviate that anxiety for several years now with her presentation “Taking Tests Peacefully.”

Ms. Raucci has been giving this presentation since 2018. She’s gotten much feedback from students that the techniques she prescribes have certainly helped them.

 

 

It’s January which means Regents and midterms are on the horizon. Ms. Raucci gave her presentation twice last week after school, which packed her classroom. In each session, more than 40 students attended! She also presented to the STARS Academy students who are scheduled to take Regents this year.

As you might guess, there is no one secret to taking tests peacefully. Instead, it is a multi-part technique.

 

Think positive thoughts – they’re powerful! To help with that:

• play positive instrumental music to help calm you;
• visualize yourself taking the test and doing well;
• while you are taking the test, say to yourself ,“I can do this.”

 

Study every day, starting now.

• Study at the same time every day, if you can;
• Make it a routine;
• Study a little every day. It helps make it manageable;
• Start with your most difficult class;
• Read your notes.

 

Start when you planned. Procrastination is not our friend.

• Put your phone on airplane mode so not to be disturbed.
• Set a timer and then check your messages.

 

Be prepared.

• Ask your teachers if they can provide a review after school.
• Go to YouTube for reviews of Regents and class materials
• Check Khan Academy online.

 

 

Take care of yourself.

• Eat nutritiously.
• Get enough sleep – teenagers “should” get 9.5 hours of sleep each night. Shoot for at least eight hours. Do the math and go to bed at least eight hours before you have to get up. Set an alarm to GO to sleep if needed. Even if you are resting in bed with your eyes shut, part of your brain is sleeping.
• Take slow, deep breaths to help yourself relax and get to sleep.
• Get outside and get sunshine – Being in nature is powerful and will enable you to study more effectively. Sunshine is critical. If you have to sit by a window to let the sun shine on you, do it.

 

The Day of the Test

• Eat a good breakfast. If you can‘t, bring a healthy snack for later.
• Arrive on time. Rushing induces more anxiety.
• Take three deep breaths before you begin an exam. It will increase the oxygen to your brain and relax you.
• Think of your feet to ground you.
• Read the directions and just start. Be sure you understand the directions first. Peruse the test and find the questions you definitely know. This will help your confidence.
• Perfectionism causes more anxiety. No one is perfect – just do your best.
• If your mind wanders and you need to refocus, take a drink of water or a deep breath; touch the chair or desk; think about your feet.

 

Remember:

• Tests are designed to be completed in the allotted time.
• Answer what you can and go back to the others later.
• Once you have finished, be at peace. You have done your best. Time to move on to the next test or assignment.
• Keep things in perspective. Tests are important but will not determine the rest of your life.
• I can and I will.

 

 

Ms. Raucci, who is the advisor to the Wellness Club, will be offering Taking Tests Peacefully later in the school year, in time for finals and Regents exams. It is well worth the time to help avoid the stress and anxiety  that usually accompanies testing.