End of Year Testing Tips for Teachers

Testing Season Survival Guide for Teachers: Tips & Tricks to Make It Through (and Keep Your Sanity)

Let’s be real… this time of year is a lot.

The weather is getting nicer, your students can feel summer right around the corner, and the energy in your classroom? Slightly chaotic (in the most end-of-year way). Add in testing season, the pressure to finish everything on your list, and trying to keep students focused while spring fever is in full swing… it’s no joke.

If you’re feeling stretched thin, you’re not alone, and you’re definitely not doing anything wrong. This season is hard, even for the most experienced teachers.

At Schoolgirl Style, our goal is to support teachers in every way we can, so here are our testing tips for teachers! We hope these simple, realistic, teacher-approved ideas help you feel seen, supported, prepared… and maybe even a little more at ease during testing season!

Easy Wins for Testing Season 

Fun Finishers That Save the Day

When students finish early (or need a brain break), having something ready to go is everything.

Our mazes & word searches, and free coloring pages are perfect print-and-go options for testing season. No prep, no stress—just simple, engaging activities that keep students calm, quiet, and occupied.

They’re also great for:

• Early finishers during testing

• Low-energy brain breaks throughout the week

• Filling those awkward in-between moments

Sometimes you just need something easy… and this is that.

Classroom Posters = Testing Covers + Cute Motivation

Testing rules often mean covering academic materials on your walls… which can leave your classroom feeling a little bare.

This is where classroom posters come in! They can be used as testing covers or just cute, feel-good decor during this time of year.

Our posters are the perfect solution if you need to:

• Cover academic content for testing

• Add something cute and positive to your space

• Keep your classroom feeling warm, calm, and inviting

Since you may not be able to display student work or academic visuals, posters are an easy way to fill that space—whether you create a quick bulletin board display or just hang a few around your room for an instant mood boost.

Our spring posters from the Marshmallow Meadow collection are especially perfect right now—soft, cheerful, and just the right amount of happy! Or, browse our full collection of classroom posters to find the perfect fit for your space.

End-of-Year Hacks to Keep You Going

Create a “This Is Why” Folder

Keep a large folder (or even a cute bin!) to collect sweet notes, drawings, and little gifts from your students. On the hard days, flip through it and remind yourself why you do what you do. Instant perspective shift.

Plan One Fun Moment Each Week

Give yourself (and your students!) something to look forward to. A nature walk, reading outside, a class game—nothing big, just something that breaks up the routine and brings a little joy back into your week.

Build in Student Choice Time

Testing = a lot of structure. Balance it out with 20–30 minutes of choice time during the week. Reading, drawing, resting… a “take what you need” moment can make a huge difference in your classroom energy.

Rely on Your Teacher Team and Friends

You’re not in this alone. Check in, share ideas, vent when you need to, and celebrate the little wins together. Running early one morning? Grab them a coffee or leave a sweet note—it’s the little things, and we’re all in this together!

Keep It Simple

Not everything needs to be a full production right now. Give yourself permission to simplify where you can—reuse activities, lean on print-and-go resources, and focus on what truly matters.

This is exactly why having easy, no-prep options on hand can be a lifesaver during testing season. Our monthly resources are designed to take the pressure off—they’re ready to go, and cover every subject in Preschool–2nd grade, so you’re not scrambling to piece things together.

And if you’re looking for a quick, meaningful win? Our new April crafts that pair with read-alouds are so easy to plug in! Each one comes with a complete mini lesson and teacher guide, so all you have to do is print and do a quick read aloud!

Celebrate the Small Wins

Made it through a testing block? Celebrate. A student stayed focused? Celebrate. You got through the day? Definitely celebrate.

This season is built on small wins, don’t let them go unnoticed!

Teacher FAQs: Testing Season Edition

 

What do you give students who finish testing early?

Simple, quiet, no-prep activities are key. Think mazes, word searches, and coloring pages. They keep students engaged without distracting others and require zero extra prep from you.

How do I keep students motivated during testing season?

Break up the routine with small incentives—fun Fridays, extra recess, or simple class rewards. Even adding one “fun moment” each week can help keep morale up.

What should I do with my classroom walls during testing?

Cover academic materials with neutral or decorative options like posters (non academic). This keeps you compliant while still creating a positive, welcoming environment for students.

How can I reduce stress for my students during testing?

Build in brain breaks, offer choice time, and keep your tone calm and encouraging. Even small shifts in routine can help students feel more relaxed and supported.

How do teachers survive testing season without burnout?

Lean on your team, keep things simple, and give yourself grace. You don’t have to do it all perfectly, just getting through this season is the win!

You’ve Got This and We’ve Got You

Testing season can feel overwhelming, but you’re doing more than you think! You’re showing up, supporting your students, and creating a space where they can succeed, even during one of the busiest times of the year.

Take it one day at a time. Keep it simple when you need to. And don’t forget…you’re not in this alone! We’re cheering you on every step of the way. 

We want to hear your testing season tips, tricks, and teacher encouragement! Send us an email, tag us on socials or use #SchoolgirlStyled, or leave a comment below!