So… state testing is done. Your brain is screaming, “Now what?”
If you’re like most teachers, the time between testing and the last day of school can feel like no-man’s land. You’re expected to “keep teaching” — but everyone’s a little burned out, your pacing guide is done(ish), and kids can practically smell summer vacation.
Here’s the good news: This stretch doesn’t have to feel like a chaotic countdown to summer. You can absolutely make these weeks meaningful, productive, and (dare I say?) even fun — for you and your students.
Let’s talk about how to make that happen.
Finish the Curriculum (Yes, Really)
Before you toss the pacing guide out the window, pause. Were there any skills you had to rush through? Concepts your students clearly didn’t master? Now’s your chance to go back and clean things up.
Use anchor tasks, collaborative work, or hands-on review games to solidify those must-have skills.
But once that’s done? It’s time to shift gears.
Review or Preview — An Intentional Way End
Here’s where the magic happens.
Not every student needs the same thing in these final weeks. Some are barely hanging onto the grade level material. Others have crushed it and are mentally halfway to next year. So why treat them the same?
Instead of assigning the same activities to the whole class, try this:
➤ Group 1: Review Crew
These students showed gaps on benchmark assessments or struggled with key concepts. They need targeted review — not a generic packet or endless worksheets. Use spiral review stations, skill-based small groups, or interactive review challenges to help them rebuild confidence.
✨ Bonus Tip: Let these students work together in pairs or triads with clear roles. Collaborative learning is powerful when guided.
➤ Group 2: Preview Pros
These students have already demonstrated mastery of most grade-level content. Give them the gift of curiosity.
Let them explore:
- Real-world extensions of the content (project-based learning is gold here)
- A few high-leverage standards from next year’s curriculum
- Open-ended math investigations or “challenge problems”
You’re not trying to teach the next grade, just plant seeds. Get them thinking, connecting, and excited for what’s coming.
Keep It Light and Purposeful
This isn’t the time to start something massive or overwhelming. But it is the time to spark joy and remind kids that learning doesn’t stop when testing ends.
Ideas that work beautifully post-testing:
- Math escape rooms (I have end of year ones that teacher LOOOOOVE)
- STEM challenges
- Multi-day themed reviews to hook them and keep them engaged, like these Math Mystery Reviews.
- Passion projects tied to math or problem-solving
- Game Choice Boards – they create them, then play them!
- Math journaling with reflection prompts like:
- “The hardest thing I learned this year was…”
- “One math skill I’ll use in real life is…”
Final Thought
Teaching between testing and the last day of school doesn’t have to be a survival game. With smart grouping, a little structure, and a dash of creativity, you can make this time meaningful for every student.
Let them leave your room feeling confident, curious, and maybe even excited for what’s next.
And hey — you deserve to end the year on a high note too. ✨
Lindsay
Want resources that make this easier?
Grab my free End-of-Year Lifesaver Kit here.
It includes ready-to-go review activities, a planning checklist, and low-prep group tasks to get you through those last few weeks without losing your mind.
