LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) — For the next two weeks, students across Louisiana will be taking the LEAP tests.

While educators are encouraging parents to prepare their children before a hectic testing week,
one local teaching artist is also encouraging breath work and movement. If you notice your student or child engaging in sensory activities like this before testing, don’t panic, they are regulating their nervous system.

Assistant principal Emily Broussard for Harod Elementary in Abbeville emphasizes, educators have done everything within their control to prepare students for testing. Parents are now responsible for any remaining prep work.

“Our superintendent says the hay is already in the barn,” Broussard said. “Making sure their children turn off their devices, getting a good nights rest. When they get up make sure they have a good breakfast,” said Broussard.

Outside of practical tips, local teaching artist Kelsey Billiot encourages educators and parents to allow time for breath work and movement.

“We talked about moving it in the mind, eating a balanced meal. Have we actually done any movement to prepare to sit down that long, because that’s the most physically challenging point,” Billiot explained.

Billiot says students often approach testing with heightened nerves, which can stem from typical nervousness or unresolved feelings about testing. Teaching students to regulate their nervous system can lead to improved testing outcomes and increased confidence.

“I can’t possibly figure this out or I can’t possibly answer all these questions and being able to move through those things help them to get on the other side of that,” said Billiot.

Parents can practice breathing exercises and movement with their children before heading to school. Students can quietly engage in breathing exercises, hand movements and other discreet techniques to regulate their nervous system during testing.

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Billiot also encourages parents and teachers to get involved after testing or when they return home from school.

“When your child returns home from school you are advised to talk to them about how test taking made them feel and encourage more movement to release those emotions,” said Billiot.

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