Fun, Motivational Test Prep Ideas

I know it’s only January– but I feel it’s never too early to start gathering ideas and valuable materials for the dreaded test prep days! Here are some of my favorites!


Check out these informational articles from my good friend Kim Solis of Elementary Antics. I’ve used her manatee article with my students– and they LOVED it! Her most recent is this “Day of the Dead” article. I thought it’d be really fun to pair it with a FREE coloring mask page and make a little art to go along with your practice (easily found via pinterest)! 

One of the best things about her articles is that she uses a variety of questions for students to answer. She also gives a few pages of grammar practice– which is always essential! Be sure to check it out by clicking one of the photos! 

HERE is another great idea where a teacher bought little prizes (nothing overly expensive) and handed out raffle tickets when students answered review questions correctly. At the end of the week, they held a raffle. A fun way to keep them engaged! Raffle tickets can easily be purchased from Amazon. I found a roll of 2,000 for only about $8! 

Another great review is interactive notebooks. Students love the hands-on activities– and they can be great for help students remember past topics! I’ve made quite a few IN’s for my 3rd graders this year– all revolving around our Journeys reading series. 

Check those out HERE! 


Do you have students who love sports and moving around the room? Try this game– “Trashketball”. It’s sure to be a hit! 


The week of the test– or the day of– hand out special treats with encouraging notes to students! You can find many different versions on TPT– just search “motivational testing notes” or “testing treat toppers”. Here are the ones I love to use! 


What types of games or activities do you use to motivate students during that stressful time of year? I’d love to hear some in the comments! 


Thanks for coming by– hope you have a blessed week!