Boost Student Morale with These State Testing Season Activities

As a teacher, you know that state testing season can be a tedious and challenging time for both you and your students. It's important to find ways to keep students engaged and motivated while also ensuring they are well-prepared for the tests. Here are some fun ideas to help you achieve these goals!

Virtual Field Trips

One engaging activity that won't burn your students out during state testing is a virtual field trip. These interactive experiences allow students to explore new places and learn about different cultures, all from the comfort of their own classroom. With virtual field trips, students can visit famous landmarks, museums, and other locations around the world without ever leaving their desks. This not only provides a fun and educational experience, but it can also help break up the monotony of testing. Take a look at some virtual field trips I’ve created for my Social Studies classes:

⭐ Ancient Egypt Virtual Field Trip Centers Stations Ready to Print or Post

⭐ Ancient Greece Virtual Field Trip with Pear Deck Google Slides

Cooperative Learning Simulations

Another effective way to engage students during state testing is through simulations. These interactive experiences allow students to explore real-life scenarios and develop problem-solving skills. One awesome simulation example is Hammurabi's Code Jigsaw Activity. It has students evaluate ancient laws and apply them to modern day crimes. This activity not only teaches valuable life skills but also helps students understand how to make critical decisions in a real-world setting.

Social-Emotional Learning

Finally, incorporating social-emotional learning (SEL) into your state testing week can help you break the tension and allow students time to be calm. These activities can be done individually or as a group and can be tailored to fit the needs of your students. Some examples of SEL lessons include role-playing activities, group discussions, and reflection exercises.This Yoga and Meditation Pear Deck teaches about the history of these calming practices while also giving students a chance to chill and meditate. This BOP or FLOP? Game is also a hit with students - grab your favorite (school appropriate) playlist and have some fun!

Incorporating these activities into your state testing week can help you keep your students engaged and motivated while also ensuring they are well-prepared for the tests. By providing fun and engaging experiences, you can help your students stay focused and relaxed during this challenging time.