112 | 3 Test Prep Mistakes Teachers Should Avoid for a Calmer Classroom

Testing week can feel like a tidal wave of pressure — for our students and for us. If you’ve ever found yourself pushing harder, printing one more practice test, or telling students “Don't worry. They're really testing to make sure I'm doing my job,” this episode is for you. In today’s conversation, I’m sharing three common testing week mistakes teachers make — and what to do instead to create a calmer classroom, reduce student anxiety, and protect your own nervous system during test prep season. Testing season can often leave you feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated, and responsible for everything, but this episode will help you reset your mindset and approach so you can lead with clarity instead of panic. Because testing pressure is real — but it doesn’t have to run the show. ~Elizabeth   Mentioned in This Episode:   Mathapalooza! https://theinspiredclassroom.com/2015/04/mathapalooza/   Visualization with Athletes https://www.verywellfit.com/visualization-techniques-for-athletes-3119438   Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast   ✨ The Classroom Reset – Inside this 6-month RESET experience we focus on proactive behavior strategies, calm classroom routines, and creative systems that make the whole year feel more manageable — not just testing week. Learn more and enroll here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset     💬 Let’s keep this conversation going! (There's so much to talk about!) Come join our free Inspired Classroom Community where creative, passionate teachers connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on. It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone. 👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community     ✨ Connect with me! Find me on LinkedIn: elizapeterson Follow & DM me on Facebook @theinspiredclassroom Follow & DM me on Instagram @theinspiredclassroom Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @theinspiredclassroom