Calm and Confident Lesson Plan Calm and Confident
Tackling Test Time Together
30 Minutes
Kindergarten
Social-Emotional
Why it Matters
Introducing coping strategies early builds confidence and helps students approach tests calmly, reducing anxiety and fostering self-regulation. These skills create a positive foundation for future academic experiences.
Objective
Students will manage testing anxiety by learning and practicing calming techniques like grounding and deep breathing through video, discussion, and guided activities.
Preparation
Review "Grounding Techniques For Kids" video
Print "Coping Strategies Worksheet" for each student
Review "Discussion Prompts" and "Breathing Activity Guide"
Gather coloring supplies (crayons/markers)
Materials Needed
Grounding Techniques Video
Coping Strategies Worksheet
Discussion Prompts Guide
Calming Breathing Guide
Instructional Steps
1
Video Introduction (5 min)
Show the grounding techniques video to introduce relaxation strategies. Ask students to watch carefully and observe the calming techniques like deep breathing or noticing things around them.
2
Guided Discussion (10 min)
Initiate a discussion using the prompts provided. Ask how they felt during the video and if they have ever felt nervous before a test. Reinforce that nervous feelings are normal and we all have ways to feel better.
3
Interactive Activity (10 min)
Distribute the worksheets. Guide them through the "Smell the Flower, Blow the Candle" breathing exercise using the guide. Have them draw their "Calm Place" and circle their favorite strategy.
4
Closing Reflection (5 min)
Ask students to share one thing they will do next time they feel a "fluttery" tummy before a test. Encourage them to use their breathing right away!
Coping Strategies Worksheet Name:
Date:
My Calm Toolkit
I can feel calm and strong!
Sometimes we feel a little worried or nervous. That's okay! Let's practice some fun ways to feel calm and happy inside.
1. My Happy, Calm Place
Close your eyes and think of a place where you feel safe and happy. Draw it in the box below!
2. Flower & Candle Breathing
Take a deep breath in like you're smelling a flower... then blow out like you're blowing a candle!
Circle how many times you practiced:
1
2
3
4+
πΈ
Sniff
π―οΈ
Blow
3. How Do You Feel?
Draw your face in the circle to show how you feel right now.
(Draw face)
My feeling word is:
4. My Favorite Calming Trick
What is one thing that helps you feel better? (Example: hugging a teddy, singing a song, or a big hug!)
You've got this! You are strong and smart! π
Discussion Prompts for Testing Anxiety Teacher Resource
Discussion Prompts
Navigating Testing Feelings with Kindergarteners
"Today, we're going to talk about how tests can sometimes make us feel a little nervous and explore ways to feel better. Use these prompts to help guide the conversation, encouraging each child to speak up and share their thoughts."
1
How Do You Feel About Tests?
"Can you share a time when you felt nervous before a test or a quiz? How did your tummy feel? How did your head feel?"
Teacher Note Space
2
What Makes You Feel Better?
"What is one thing you do to help you feel calm or happy when you are worried? Do you have a favorite toy, a song, or a person you like to talk to?"
Teacher Note Space
3
What Did You Notice in the Video?
"Think about the video we watched. What was your favorite calming trick? Why did you like it? Did you like the deep breathing or the grounding game?"
Teacher Note Space
4
Sharing Our Calming Ideas
"Let's share ideas: what are some other fun ways we can make test time feel less scary? Deep breathing? Drawing a happy picture? Hugging a stuffed animal?"
Teacher Note Space
5
It's Okay to Feel Nervous!
"Why do you think it's okay to feel a little nervous sometimes, even about tests? Does everyone feel nervous sometimes?"
Teacher Note Space
Remember: Listen carefully, validate feelings, and reinforce that everyone has ways to feel better. If a student is very anxious, model the breathing exercise right then and there to show it in action.
Calming Breathing Activity Guide Calming Breathing Guide
"Smell the Flower, Blow the Candle"
Activity Overview
This exercise uses a simple visualization to help kindergarteners understand deep breathing. By imagining a flower and a candle, children can focus on the physical sensation of breath, which helps regulate their nervous system and reduce anxiety before a test.
1
Get Ready
Have students sit in a "Criss-Cross Applesauce" position.
Ask them to put their hands resting gently on their knees or bellies.
Lower the lights or ensure a quiet environment.
2
The Story
Explain: "Today, we're going to learn a fun way to help our bodies feel calm. It's like pretending our nose is a flower and our mouth is a candle. When we sniff the flower, we get all that yummy smell inside. When we blow the candle, we let out a gentle breeze."
3
Demonstrate (The Sniff & Blow)
πΈ
The Flower
Inhale through the nose slowly for 3 counts.
π―οΈ
The Candle
Exhale through the mouth gently for 3 counts.
4
Practice Together
Repeat 3-5 times. Use your hands to lead the count:
"Sniff the flower... 1, 2, 3..."
"Blow the candle... 1, 2, 3..."
5
Reflect
Ask the class: "How does your tummy feel now? Did it feel like you were filling up like a balloon?"
Prompt:
"What was your favorite part of our breathing practice?"
Observation Notes
(Note which students needed more help or who really engaged with the visualization)
Calm and Confident Presentation Slides Calm and Confident
Tackling Test Time Together
Kindergarten
Mindset Matters
How Are You Feeling?
π
Happy
Ready to go!
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Unsure
What's happening?
π¦
Nervous
Butterflies in tummy!
It's okay to feel any of these! Let's talk about it.
Let's Learn Calming Secrets!
Play: Grounding Techniques Video
Check the Lesson Plan for the link
Watch for the "Calm Tricks"!
Magic Breathing πΈπ―οΈ
πΈ
Inhale
Smell the flower...
1 ... 2 ... 3
π―οΈ
Exhale
Blow the candle...
1 ... 2 ... 3
Tests are just "Brain Checks"!
Show what you know!
It's a chance to shine and show your teacher all you've learned.
Your best is enough!
You don't have to be perfect. You just have to try your best.
πͺ
You are Strong!
You are Ready!
Remember Your Tools!
Breathing
Grounding
Confidence
Go get 'em!