Midterm Mindset Magic

Midterms are stressful. Tests are stressful. They don't have to be, but the reality is that many students struggle to find calm when they are sitting at a desk waiting for the test to begin.

I have developed a strategy to help my students allow their frontal cortex to override their "lizard brain" fight or flight thoughts. Read on if you would like to try it with your students or for yourself:

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/cb5e96_2db32a6c3db04556b702ad40370d1d17/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

1. As I pass out the test, I have all students keep it face down. They are not allowed to open or begin.

2. On the back of the test, I ask them to write 3 things that they feel good about. It can be anything.

3. I have them put their feet flat on the floor, hands on their legs, sit tall and close their eyes. I instruct them to take a deep breath in through their nose and to sigh it out. I do this a second time. Then I have them focus on 5 things touching their body. Their feet on the floor, their hands on their legs, their backs on the chair, etc.

4. I have them open their eyes and begin their test.

The change in the energy of the room is palpable. The anxiety diminishes and I see their bodies relax and smiles come back. Their test scores are higher than I've seen before. I don't believe it is random - I believe it is directly related to these steps.

If you want to learn more about this - message me! I am here to help.