The room is silent. Testing is in full swing. You’ve finally gotten all the materials handed out, directions read perfectly, and students are working hard.
Then—tap tap—a student raises their hand and whispers, “I’m done.” 🤦♀️
If you teach Upper Elementary, especially Fifth Grade, you know this moment very well. While some students are deep into their tests, others finish early. And now you’re stuck trying to keep them quietly occupied without distracting their classmates.
To help you, here are a few of my favorite after testing activities for upper elementary students. I hope you find some inspiration!
Relax and Recharge
Testing is hard work at any age! If a student feels drained, let them put their head down and chill. If students are permitted to move, consider creating “rest corners” around the classroom with floor cushions, beanbags, or soft lighting. Just be sure they’re spaced out enough to avoid whispered conversations.
Silent Read
For some students, the chance to read a book of their choosing is the perfect way to pass the time. I like to add easy picture books, novels, graphic novels, and even magazines to my library for testing time. Let students grab a few to have at their desks before testing begins for a quiet transition.
Free Choice Drawing
Students rarely get time to draw for the sake of drawing. Offer blank paper, colored pencils, or crayons at their desk and let them create freely. No prompts. No structure. Just quiet creativity.
This after testing activity not only keeps things calm, but also gives students a soothing way to unwind after the pressure of testing.
Positive Mindset Activities
Testing can take a toll on a student’s confidence. Providing quiet, affirming activities like positive mindset coloring pages, affirmation tracing, or word searches focusing on kindness and a growth mindset can help students feel empowered and grounded after a tough testing session.
These After-Testing Positive Mindset Activities make great after testing activities for early finishers who need a little encouragement to move forward with confidence.
Enrichment Puzzle Packets
For your high flyers or students who love a challenge, have a quiet enrichment packet ready to go with activities like:
- Logic puzzles
- Word ladders
- Word scrambles
- Visual brain teasers
These after testing activities keep students mentally engaged without disrupting the quiet testing environment. Here are some Spring-Themed activities to help you.
End of the School Year Memory Page
After testing is the perfect time to start easing into end-of-school-year activities. Open-ended one-pager End-of-Year Memory Pages are the perfect activity for reflection and quiet time. They also make a great keepsake or class memory book.
With a little preparation and the right set of after testing activities, you can keep your Upper Elementary classroom calm, respectful, and productive during those critical moments. Whether students want to relax, create, reflect, or challenge themselves, these activities will keep them focused while others finish up.
Need more ideas? Here you go!
You’ve got this, teacher friend. And I’m cheering you on every step of the way. ✨
