Testing is an inevitable part of every year, especially for teachers in grade three and up. I want this week (or if you are in my state these weeks) to be as low stress for my students as possible. We take six total state tests, two in reading, two in math, and two in either science or social studies (depending on the grade level).
Each year, I come up with a testing theme. We have done Rock Star, Survivor, and this year we are going with an Outer Space/Alien theme. We start by having students color and fill out a testing motivational poster.
We hang these posters up outside the classroom for the duration of the testing period. After each day of testing, students get a fun item. For this theme, we included inflatable aliens, space pencils and erasers, shuttle pens, and more. We found a TON of fun and inexpensive items at Oriental Trading and on Amazon. Click here for the FREE Alien/Space Testing Pack!
What do you do during your testing week(s)?
Smart Chick Teacher's Blog 
Love the testing poster—do you have that available on your site or on TPT?
I will be posting it as a freebie later this evening!
I love the idea! Thanks for sharing!
I love your idea of a “theme” to engage students in testing. I teach high school students so I am trying to think of ways to replicate or use some of your suggestions in an “older” setting. So often by 11th grades students are “over testing” but I really want them to do their best and be proud of the knowledge and skills they’ve gained. Love your idea! Thanks for the post!
I wonder if you could have your older kids come up with their own testing theme?
That is a good idea… I can already hear their theme ideas now… “Surviving the Hunger Games” …teenagers can be a bit cynical. But I love them! 🙂 Thanks for the idea!