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If you are wondering what to do after state testing, we’ve got you covered. After state testing is over, it’s time to celebrate with some fun activities for students! From scavenger hunts and science experiments to art projects and field trips, there are plenty of ways to keep your students engaged and entertained. Here are 25 ideas of what to do after state testing that will help you plan a day or week full of exciting activities for your students.
1. Hold a celebration party. Celebrate the students’ hard work with a fun activity and snacks.
2. Complete a National Park project. Give students an opportunity to learn more about a national park of their choice by completing a fun and educational National Park project based learning activity. Check out this ready-to-go Visit a National Park PBL Unit!
3. Create a game day. Have students create games or play existing ones that are appropriate for all ages and give out prizes for winners!
4. Go on a nature scavenger hunt. Let students explore outdoor areas by finding specific items in nature like leaves, rocks, etc., then reward them for their efforts with small prizes! What a simple, but great idea when it comes to what to do after state testing!
5. Start your own book club. Allow each student to choose one book they want to read with other classmates and discuss it afterwards.
6. Host a talent show. Encourage students to showcase their talents such as singing, dancing, comedy, or playing an instrument. This fun activity allows students to express themselves and build self-confidence while also entertaining their peers.
7. Organize a community service project. Have students give back to their community by volunteering at a local organization or cleaning up a nearby park. This not only fosters a sense of philanthropy and empathy but also teaches important life skills like responsibility and teamwork.
8. Plan a cultural exchange day. Looking for a very meaningful activity when thinking about what to do after state testing? Invite students to bring in food or artifacts that represent their culture or background. This promotes diversity and cultural understanding among students as well as teaches them about other cultures they may not be familiar with.
9. Have a Theme Park Reading Escape Challenge. Students love amusement parks! Set up this simple, low-prep Theme Park Reading Escape Challenge that will have your kiddos begging for more activities just like it!
10. Participate in a group fitness activity. Coordinate a yoga, dance, or fitness class as a way for students to stay active and healthy while also promoting social interaction and teamwork. Exercise has been shown to improve academic performance and cognitive function, making it a great post-testing activity.
11. Organize a cooking class. Invite a local chef to teach students how to cook a healthy and delicious meal. Cooking is a valuable life skill and can also promote teamwork, communication, and creativity. If you’re stuck on what to do after state testing, this idea is a winner!
12. Host a movie day. Screen a movie related to a topic students have been studying or let them choose their own movie to watch together. This activity is a great way to wind down after testing and also promotes critical thinking and analysis skills. Of course, be sure to prescreen the movie and make sure it is appropriate and follows your school’s policies.
13. Plan a field day. Coordinate outdoor activities like relay races, water balloon tosses, and tug-of-war. These activities promote physical activity, teamwork, and friendly competition.
14. Start an art project. Encourage students to create a collaborative piece of art or let them create their own individual artwork. This activity fosters creativity, self-expression, and fine motor skills, and is the perfect idea for what to do after state testing.
15. Plan a Class Picnic. Have students complete a fun writing project, Plan the Perfect Picnic. Then actually have the picnic! This is a great way for students to make meaningful connections through writing.
16. Have a science fair. Encourage students to present their own science projects or research. This activity promotes critical thinking skills and can spark an interest in science and technology for students. It also provides an opportunity for students to showcase their creativity and problem-solving abilities.
17. Plan a field trip. Take students on a local field trip to visit a museum, zoo, or other cultural attraction. This allows students to learn outside of the traditional classroom setting, and provides an opportunity for students to connect with the world around them. This is a popular option for what to do after state testing!
18. Complete a PBL Unit. Project Based Learning (PBL) is such a wonderful way for students to work together to complete cross-curricular tasks. Click HERE to read more about what project-based learning is and to see some examples of fun PBL units!
19. Make an End of Year Memory Book. Have students write about their favorite activities, subjects, books, and experiences of the past year in a Memory Book. This printable, ready-to-go end of year Memory Book is just the ticket!
20. Organize a career fair. Invite professionals from various fields to speak with students about their careers and the paths they took to get there. This activity exposes students to different job opportunities and pathways, and provides an opportunity for them to ask questions and learn from experts in their fields.
21. Have an Outdoor Adventure Day. Take students on a nature hike or camp out for a day. Outdoor activities have been shown to reduce stress and improve mental health. It also provides an opportunity for students to learn about nature and the environment.
22. Hold a Cultural Fair. Organize a fair where students can learn about different cultures through food, music, and art. This activity can promote cultural awareness and understanding, and also provides an opportunity for students to showcase their own cultural backgrounds.
23. Organize a Flashlight Reading Afternoon. Allow students to bring in a blanket and flashlight. Provide popcorn, turn off the lights, and allow students to find a place in the room to read a book of their choice using their flashlights.
24. Have a Coloring Contest. Hand out any of these Summer Parts of Speech Color by Code pages, turn on some fun music, and let students color to their hearts’ content! Have some colleagues judge the pages and award a new pack of crayons to the winners.
25. Have a Class Kickball Game. Divide your class into 2 teams and have a good, old-fashioned game of kickball where you are the all-time pitcher. Or play class against class with another class from your grade-level.
No matter what type of fun activity you choose to do with your students after state testing, it is important to ensure that the experience is enjoyable and beneficial for all. Allowing students time off from traditional learning can not only help them relax but also give them an opportunity to express their creativity, explore new interests, and develop skills like leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, public speaking and more. With these 25 ideas of what to do after state testing in mind, we hope you’ll be able to come up with something special for your class!
Hi, I’m Shelly! Thank you for being here. I love helping third, fourth, and fifth grade teachers with fun and engaging activities that require no to little prep! Let me help you by taking some of the stress and work off your plate.
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