3 Things You Can Do With Students After Testing (That Still Feel Worth It)

Testing is done. Your students are tired. You’re tired. And there are still a few weeks of school left.

So now what?

This stretch of the school year doesn’t have to be chaotic or filled with “filler.” In fact, it’s one of the best times to re-center on connection, reflection, and meaning.

Here are three high-impact, low-prep ideas that keep students learning without burning you out. They give closure to the year, honor what students have learned, and keep engagement going when the finish line is finally in sight.

1. Reflect, Revisit, and Reclaim Learning

Testing doesn’t always reflect what students really know. This is your chance to give them the space to reclaim their learning and see how far they’ve come.

Try one of these reflection-based activities:

• What I Know Now Posters
  Have students write or draw three things they didn’t understand at the start of the year that they now feel confident about.

• Letter to My Future Self
  Students write a letter to themselves at the start of next school year. You can mail it to them later or give it to their next teacher.

• Before and After Anchor Charts
  Take a topic from early in the year and have students chart what they thought they knew back then versus what they now understand more deeply.

These simple strategies build metacognition, reinforce growth, and remind students that learning is more than a test score.

2. Student-Led Stations or Teach-Back Days

Let your students take the lead.

Pick key topics or skills and give students the chance to become the teacher. They can:

• Create a mini-lesson or demo in pairs or groups

• Design a quiz, game, or challenge for their classmates

• Run a review station and guide others through it

This taps into retrieval, elaboration, and confidence building. Plus, it’s genuinely fun to watch students step into your role and realize how much they’ve absorbed throughout the year.

3. Build Something That Outlives the Year

Use this time to create something meaningful that will last beyond the current class.

Here are a few ideas:

• Class Legacy Projects
  Have students create advice posters, videos, or “survival guides” for next year’s students.

• Student-Created Anchor Charts
  Let students make visuals around big concepts they’ve mastered. You can reuse them next year and they’ll feel proud seeing their work live on.

• Personal Portfolios
  Ask students to gather their best work from the year, reflect on their progress, and design a cover or summary page. It’s a keepsake and a showcase of their learning journey.

Want More Ideas Like These?

You’re invited to our free 45-minute Webinar next week:

Landing the Learning: Maintaining Engagement and Energy in the Final Descent

We’ll share even more ways to wrap up the year with intention, protect your energy, and help students stay meaningfully engaged.

📅 Wednesday, May 14: K-5 @ 3:30ET, 6-12 @ 4:30ET
🎟️ Free and live on Zoom
💻 Recording sent to all who register

👉 Register here

You don’t need to become a cruise director or plan a party every day. You just need a few well-placed strategies that honor your students, their learning, and you.

Try one of these ideas next week. And if you do, tag us - we’d love to celebrate with you.

And if you're looking for more ready-to-use resources, check out our full collection of free tools for teachers:
👉 www.UncomplicateEd.com/free-stuff