Making the Most of Testing Downtime
- Dr. Nadine O'Garro
- Mar 28
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 3
Heyyy SuperTeachers,
Test season can feel like a long stretch of waiting, but it doesn’t have to be wasted time. Instead of feeling stuck in the monotony of proctoring, use this time to relax, reflect, and reset—both for yourself and your classroom.
Relax.
Take a deep breath—literally. A few minutes of seated (open-eye) meditation or a simple breathing exercise, like box breathing, can do wonders to calm your mind and re-center your focus. Testing days can be draining, so prioritizing your own mental clarity is a small but powerful act of self-care.
Reflect.
Once you’ve grounded yourself, take a moment to scan the room. Are students actively working? Do any need a gentle redirection? Maybe a quick walk around the room (and a well-placed peppermint) will help refocus a few minds.
Then, shift your reflection inward:
What’s going well in your classroom?
What challenges have resolved themselves this year?
What are you still working to improve?
Which students are thriving?
Who needs more support before the year ends?
Look around your classroom — does the setup still serve your students' needs? Testing often means taking down key resources like anchor charts. Which ones should go back up? Which are worth laminating and saving for next year? A few small tweaks now could make a big difference in these final months.
Reset.
This quiet time is valuable. You could check emails, sure—but taking a step back to evaluate your classroom, your students’ progress, and your next steps will leave you feeling far more productive and prepared for what’s ahead.
If you’re looking for support in refining your teaching practice, now is a great time to start thinking about next year. This August, the Academy is launching a 1-year virtual residency for K-12 teachers—designed to help you build on your strengths, reflect with intention, and implement strategies that elevate your teaching. Have questions about the residency, Let's connect!
Step into the next school year with clarity and confidence.
You’ve got this! Keep showing up, reflecting, and making an impact—one moment at a time.
~the Academy
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