There is no better feeling than the conclusion of state testing for both teachers and students! It signals the end of rigorous preparation and leads us toward a period of time when we can take a more relaxed approach to learning but add elements of fun to keep them engaged. I’ve gathered some creative and educational post-state testing activities to keep your students wanting more!
Activities to Do After State Testing
1. Cursive Writing
Invest time in teaching cursive writing. It not only improves handwriting but also enhances neural connections and develops fine motor skills. If you don’t have time to teach cursive writing thoroughly, have students create a signature and practice using it. Students love using their signatures and are happy to share them with whoever will look at them.
2. Novel Studies (Book Clubs)
Organize book clubs or novel study groups within the class. This encourages reading for pleasure and stimulates critical thinking and discussion skills as students share perspectives on the book’s themes, characters, and plot.
After students have finished the book, have them organize an activity that resonates with its themes. This can range from cooking dishes mentioned in the book to creating a virtual field trip to visit a place that inspired the setting or even dressing up as characters from the book. Pick a day that each group shares their activity with the class.
3. Math Games
Introduce math games focused on skills that they were taught throughout the year. Using task cards or worksheets and a traditional game such as Sorry, Chutes and Ladders, Connect Four, etc., let students review their skills. Every time students answer a question correctly, they take a turn in the game.
4. Origami
Teach Origami to foster creativity and concentration. The step-by-step process of folding paper to create figures can be a fun experience for students. Many websites offer step-by-step directions on how to fold all types of Origami, like the Origami Guide.
5. Reader's Theater
Reader’s theater is a fantastic way to develop reading fluency, enhance comprehension, and boost speaking skills. Plus, it’s a lot of fun! Students perform a script after having read it several times. Consider having students perform their Reader’s theater to the class or ask a younger grade-level class if they can perform for them.
6. Theme Week
Designate the last week of school as a theme week, where students work in groups to research a topic and present their findings. The activity could culminate in a spectacular way. For example, if the theme was volcanoes, students could display homemade volcanoes erupting, or if the theme was baseball, students could play a game of baseball. These projects allow students to work collaboratively, employing research and public speaking skills.
7. Poetry Book
Encourage students to write their own poetry. This not only taps into their creative potential but also allows them to express emotions and thoughts in a structured form. Compiling these poems into a class poetry book can be a wonderful keepsake by making a copy for each student.
8. Daily Countdown
Create a daily countdown to the end of the school year. Each day can reveal a new activity, challenge, or fun fact. This builds anticipation and keeps students excited about coming to school each day.
- Hat Day
- Bring a Stuffed Animal Day
- Pajama Day
- Star Wars Day
- Camp Out Day: Turn your classroom into a camping ground, complete with tents made out of sheets and reading by a ‘campfire.’ If weather permits, you could even take the day outside for a whole camping experience.
- Picnic Day
- Snack Day: Bring your favorite snack to share with the class
- Favorite Sport: Encourage students to wear attire and bring items related to their favorite sport.
- Superhero Day
- Literacy Day: Have a day centered around books and storytelling. You could have story readings from guest speakers or ask older students to read to the class.
- STEM activities: Engage students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities that challenge them to solve problems, work in teams, and think critically. Projects can range from simple engineering challenges to basic coding activities.
- Great Invention Challenge: Spark your students’ imagination by challenging them to invent something innovative. Provide them with materials and resources to design and create their inventions.
9. Math Madness Week
Engage with numbers in a fun and challenging ways with math-themed games and puzzles. Providing students with choice boards, riddles, math crossword puzzles and mazes, sorts can turn reviewing into enjoyable activities.
10. Show a Movie
If you are looking for a simple, stress-relieving after-state testing activity. Consider making popcorn and screening a popular movie for your students to unwind and enjoy. If there’s a novel you’re currently teaching in class, opt for its film adaptation to enhance the learning experience. Strive to choose an uplifting or humorous movie that injects a cheerful atmosphere into the classroom after testing.
These activities after state testing offer unique learning opportunities while keeping your students excited to come to school. The transition from the high-stakes state testing environment to these enriching, interactive lessons can help rekindle students’ love for learning and set a positive tone for the remaining weeks of the school year.
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