6 tips to reduce NAPLAN nerves

NAPLAN nerves are inevitable! Easing those nerves is possible.

Pina (Seven Steps presenter) shares her top tips to help students feel more at ease in the build-up to NAPLAN, using exercises that induce muscle memory and confidence. She also provides some handy ideas to create a relaxing setting leading up to and on the day of NAPLAN, to ensure your students can give it their best shot without feeling too overwhelmed.

Repetition of activities leading up to NAPLAN is a real game changer! It eliminates the need for students to think about the smaller things that may be filling their brain on test day and places creativity front of mind.

Planning and creating a relaxed atmosphere is crucial.

Pina, Seven Steps presenter

Tip 1: Argue both sides

For a persuasive writing brainstorm activity, teach students to brainstorm arguments for both sides, but only in a mad minute! Then, they can select the side they’d like to write about. Get them used to doing this in a short amount of time, to fit the NAPLAN 5-minute planning time.

Tip 2: Drawing for success

Practise drawing the Writing Graph (see example) on scrap A4 paper and challenge students to draw theirs in around 7 seconds. This can be a fun, energetic task to distract students from their NAPLAN nerves.

Teacher Hub Essentials members get access to lots more examples of texts plotted on the Writing Graph – view them all on the Resource Library. Not a member? Unlock your free Seven Steps Teacher Hub trial today!

Tip 3: Checklist 

Guide your students through the writing graph process, to ensure they’re ticking off the boxes as they start a new paragraph. It will help them get into the habit of systematically doing this.

Tip 4: Be a ninja

Create the Alpha moment! While your students are practising writing, actively supervise without disturbing them, by positioning yourself where you can see each student without having to walk around. Here’s how you can be a ninja on test day!

Tip 5: Change your layout

Several days before NAPLAN, position tables and chairs in the layout you have planned for NAPLAN. Eliminating the feeling of change in the classroom on test day is crucial! Your students will already be feeling different on NAPLAN test day, let’s make sure the classroom feels as it would on a regular school day!

Tip 6: Soothing Scent

Use a vaporiser or a candle with a soothing scent to relax the room.

Bonus
The next best way to improve marks

Join Teacher Hub for exclusive NAPLAN resources including a 6-part video series.

Looking for more information, classroom activities, and advice on preparing for NAPLAN?

• Learn what to focus on in the lead up to NAPLAN to help make the biggest difference to your students
• Uncover insights into the NAPLAN writing task and ACARA’s expectations
• Prepare your students with our Simple Guide to NAPLAN!

How have you been preparing for NAPLAN with your students? We would love for you to share your tips and tricks with us!

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