Are you looking for games for test review? Games are a fantastic way to make it fun while keeping students engaged so that you are truly reviewing the concepts you have been learning. You might be wondering how to keep all students engaged while reviewing. I know that I have asked myself these questions, and I want to share with you three games that I have successfully used in my classroom. All students are involved in answering every question. Are you ready to try these games in your classroom? They are also easy to prep with only a few materials that can be simply found.
Playing games can help your students practice their addition and subtraction facts. Pet Bingo turns addition practice into fun without a boring worksheet! Your students will want to play it again and again! You will love it because it is easy to prep! This FREE sample of +2 Addition Bingo has a pet theme. Use it as a math center to help your students with their math facts. You can easily print the cards, gather some counters to cover the squares, and you will be ready for a fun and engaging way to practice addition. Pet Bingo will be in your inbox after you type your name and email in the boxes below!
Before You Begin
All games will be played with a similar format and will begin the same way. All students will answer a question on their own. After a question is answered, they will be part of a team and confer together to decide the final answer as a team. Here are a few suggestions that have helped me be successful using these games for test review.
- I have found that having teams of 3 to 4 students allows for the most discussion and collaboration when the team is deciding on the final answer. I like to mix up my teams with a variety of abilities.
- Since each student has to answer every question, I like to project the question for everyone to see. I usually have them answer the question on their whiteboards. When they have an answer, they give me a thumbs up so I know they are finished.
- When everyone is finished, they get together with their team to find the final answer. I give them a signal such as touching their shoulders to let me know when their team is ready to give their final answer.
- All teams should choose a spokesperson for each question. I have them take turns and rotate through the team.
- After all answers have been given, we decide as a class which one is correct. Sometimes all of the teams have the same answer. When all of the teams do not have the same answer, it allows for some fabulous discussion to prove why an answer is correct.
Are You Ready to Begin?
Now it is time to learn more about these games for test review because this is where the excitement begins! Choose which game you want to try with your class today! Then try another game when you need another review game!!
Stinky Feet
Stinky Feet is one of my students’ favorite games for test review! They are so excited when they see the big foot on the whiteboard because they know it is going to be a fun and exciting time. This game includes suspense and collaboration while making review sessions interactive and fun. The suspense comes because some of the post-it notes have the words “stinky feet” written on them. If the team gets one of the dreaded post-it notes, then they lose all of their points!
Games for Test Review Materials Needed:
- Draw a large foot on a piece of poster board or on your whiteboard.
- Write point values on the back of post-it notes. Write “Stinky Feet” on 1-3 post-it notes.
- Questions for test review
How to Play:
- Have each student individually answer the question.
- Students confer with their teams for their answer.
- Each team should choose a spokesperson for every question. I have them rotate through the team.
- After all answers have been given, we decide as a class which one is correct. Sometimes all of the teams have the same answer. When all of the teams do not have the same answer, it allows for some fabulous discussion to prove why an answer is correct.
- Each team that has the correct answer gets to choose one of the post-it notes. I usually let the spokesperson for the question choose the post-it note.
- Keep score. The team with the highest score at the end of the game is the winner!
Lucky Bucket
Lucky Bucket is another exciting game for test review. This can be used with a variety of buckets. One year I found buckets at the dollar store that resembled soccer balls and basketballs. It happened to be during March Madness, and it was a huge hit! I have also used empty ice cream buckets and small sand pails from the dollar store. It really doesn’t matter what the bucket looks like.
Students will quickly learn that the real fun comes from not knowing the point value on the bottom of the bucket. After each student answers the question and then decides on the final answer, you will decide on the correct answer as a class. If the team gets it correct, the spokesperson receives a small paper to write the team name on and then puts a small paper in the bucket of their choosing. Each bucket has different point values. The point values are revealed at the end of the game. The best part is that everyone wins in this game because every student is able to participate and prep for the test.
Games for Test Review Materials Needed:
- 4-6 buckets that have been labeled on the bottom with different point values – choose high, medium, and low point values
- Small papers for teams to write their team name on when they answer a question correctly
- Questions for test review
How to Play:
- Have each student individually answer the question.
- Students confer with their teams for their answer.
- Each team should choose a spokesperson for each question. I have them rotate through the team.
- After all answers have been given, we decide as a class which one is correct. Sometimes all of the teams have the same answer. When all of the teams do not have the same answer, it is exciting to hear them defend their answer or figure out where they made the mistake.
- Each team that has the correct answer is given a small piece of paper, and they write their name on it. The team name could be as simple as Team 1, Team 2, etc. Then they decide which bucket to put the paper in, and this can be done by the spokesperson or as a team.
- When all of the questions have been answered, it is time to see what the hidden point values are. After adding up the points, the team with the highest score at the of the game is the winner!
Build a Tower
In this game, students work to earn index cards by answering questions correctly. At the end of the session, they use these cards to build the tallest structure with their team which combines their knowledge with creativity and teamwork.
Games for Test Review Materials Needed:
- Index cards
- Questions for test review
- Measuring tape or yardstick
How to Play:
- Have each student individually answer the question.
- Students confer with their teams for their answer.
- Each team should choose a spokesperson for the question. I have them rotate through the team.
- After all answers have been given, we decide as a class which one is correct. Sometimes all of the teams have the same answer. When all of the teams do not have the same answer, it is exciting to hear them defend their answer or figure out where they made the mistake.
- Each team that has the correct answer is given an index card for each child on the team. I have them keep them in a pile until the end of the game.
- When all of the questions have been answered, it is time to see which team can build the tallest structure. I usually give them about 3-5 minutes to complete the building.
- Measure the height of each structure to find the team with the tallest structure.
When you use games in your classroom, they promote teamwork and collaboration. It is also a way to provide instant feedback to the students’ understanding of the concepts that are being reviewed. These are three simple games with very little preparation time, and they use simple materials that you probably already have in your classroom.
Stinky Feet, Lucky Bucket, and Build a Tower are games for test review that can significantly enhance student engagement and retention. These games transform review sessions into interactive and enjoyable learning experiences. By incorporating these strategies, you can promote a great classroom atmosphere that motivates students to participate actively and perform better. So next time you’re planning a review session, consider using these educational games!
