# 294. The Most Expensive Test Prep Mistake Happens Before the Question

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/stellar-teacher-podcast-a-podcast-for-upper-elementary-teachers-3455242/294-the-most-expensive-test-prep-mistake-happens-before-the-question
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/stellar-teacher-podcast-a-podcast-for-upper-elementary-teachers-3455242/294-the-most-expensive-test-prep-mistake-happens-before-the-question.md
Podcast: [Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers](https://stenobird.com/podcast/stellar-teacher-podcast-a-podcast-for-upper-elementary-teachers-3455242)
Published: 2026-03-09T08:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.stellarteacher.com/stellar-teacher-podcast-with-sara-marye/
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/6688111b-6e1d-443a-a20c-8806534b86ef.mp3
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Duration seconds: 914

## Resource

As much as we prepare students with practice passages and strategy review, many performance struggles happen before students even answer a question. When test anxiety sets in, students may skim or skip directions entirely, misread what’s being asked, or overlook key details like “not,” “compare,” or “from least to greatest.” In this episode, Sara and Emily discuss why this happens and how teachers can intentionally build direction-reading habits long before test day. They share practical tips and insights to make test season less stressful for both teachers and students. Key Takeaways: Importance of reading test directions carefully (and activity ideas for practice) Strategies to teach students to interpret instructions Building student confidence and reducing anxiety during tests Resources Connected to this Episode: Free Test Prep Email Series at www.stellarteacher.com/testprep Test Taking Strategies Bundle on TPT Stay connected with us! Follow us on Instagram @ thestellarteachercompany Looking for quick, actionable PD? Visit our YouTube channel !

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## Transcript

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