Episode
158. Test Anxiety Isn’t Just Nerves—Here’s What Students Really Need
- Podcast
- Counselor Chat Podcast
- Published
- Apr 15, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 679
- Processing state
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Summary
Test Anxiety Isn’t Just Nerves—Here’s What Students Really Need Test anxiety is everywhere this time of year, but it doesn’t always look the way we expect. It’s not just nervous students biting their nails. It’s avoidance. Shutdown. Frustration. “I don’t care.” In this episode, I’m breaking down what test anxiety really looks like, what’s happening in the brain, and how we can support students with simple, effective strategies that build confidence and calm. 💡 What You’ll Learn Why test anxiety is often misunderstood How overwhelm—not defiance—is driving behavior A simple way to explain anxiety to students How confidence and identity impact test performance 🧠 What’s Really Happening When students feel stressed, their brains flip into alarm mode . Heart rate increases Thinking becomes foggy Focus drops It’s not that they don’t know the material… 👉 Their brain is trying to protect them. 🎨 Easy Activities to Support Students Color-by-code coping activities Confidence statement practice Collaborative classroom posters with calming messages Simple. Low prep. High impact. ✨ Key Takeaway “They care a lot… they just don’t feel capable.” 🎁 Resources Mentioned Color by Code Test Taking SKills Test Strategies Game Test Prep Motivators Test Prep Collaborative Poster Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast Join Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months! Connect with Carol: TpT Store Counseling Essentials Website Instagram Facebook Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group Mentioned in this episode: Perks Membership