Search

Two Ways Storytelling Can Reduce Standardized Test Anxiety

rachaelharrington
Apr 3
2 min read

It's no secret that student anxiety levels go up during testing season.

And when student anxiety levels go up, it's more likely that teacher anxiety levels rise, as well.

But what are teachers to do to help both students and themselves? There's already so much to do, so much to think about, so much pressure.

Storytelling in the classroom might just be a simple super power during testing season.

Here's three ways that storytelling can help reduce standardized test anxiety.

When anxiety levels are high, storytelling is a tool that can offer comfort and reassurance in a very specific way; eye contact.

When you tell a story you look directly at your listener(s). The NIH states: "Eye contact, or mutual gaze, conveys the message, 'I am attending to you,' thereby promoting effective communication and enhancing social interaction".

When students know their teachers are WITH them and caring for them as they are doing this hard thing, they build confidence from a place of understanding that they are supported.

A woman in a blue shirt is seating on a chair in front of a brightly lit window. Her hands are raised to should height as she looks down at a young boy with curly hair seated on the floor at her feet. She is telling him a story.

A woman stand at the front of a classroom with her arms held up to one side of her in the shape of a circle. Students sit around her in a semi circle and have their hands in the air. They are all telling a story together. — A fourth grade class participates in a folktale telling.

Reviewing vocab from a list is rote and can lead to students getting in their heads about remembering, instead of authentically knowing the words.

Couching key words in a story is engaging and memorable. Students can actively participate in and vividly imagine the vocabulary... And the fun of the experience takes the pressure off.

Are you an administrator or teacher looking for simple and effective ways to reduce standardized testing anxiety?

Storytelling with your students will not only offer fun ways to review vocabulary and academic subjects, but will also help students regulate their emotions and know that they've got a teacher who sees them and is cheering for them.

If you're not sure how to start with storytelling, get my Imagine More In The Classroom Mini-Course FREE when you sign up for my newsleter! The course comes with 3 short video lessons (all under 10 minutes) that give you the tools to tell your first stories with your students, a PDF/printable workbook, and story mapping printable.

GET YOUR STORYTELLING MINI-COURSE