When annual testing takes center stage, managing the remaining class effectively is key to maintaining engagement and progress. Here are five practical, enriching activities that your students can do while others are testing:

1. Dive into an Interactive Worksheet to get Them Talking!

Engage your newcomers with a worksheet that prescribes interaction with each other. While there are many different ways of doing this, in this example worksheet, questions are prescribed to ask each other. There are two rules that students must follow as they complete this worksheet: 1) A student may only write on their own worksheet.

2) A student may only look at their own worksheet. Nobody else may see the answers that one student writes down. Click below for our example.

2. Collaborate with the Substitute Teacher

If you’ll have a substitute during testing, why not turn it into a collaborative opportunity? Assign a fun group activity, such as a cultural exchange discussion or a class story-building exercise. Important Note: Vet the substitute teacher’s comfort with leading the activity to ensure a smooth experience. This can transform what might otherwise be downtime into an interactive and memorable lesson.

3. Create Vocabulary Masterpieces with the Frayer Model

Combine vocabulary building with reading and creativity! Give students a list of key words from a recent lesson and provide them with Frayer Model templates. Students define each word, draw a picture to represent it, use it in a sentence, and list related concepts. Pair this with a short reading passage that features the vocabulary to deepen their understanding.

Click below for a Frayer PDF.

4. Set Goals with a Guided Worksheet for your Newcomers

Goal setting is a powerful way to involve students in their own learning. Provide a worksheet where students reflect on their recent achievements and set actionable goals. Include space for a teacher-student conference to discuss these goals. This encourages accountability and shows students their progress matters—even during testing periods.

5. Get your Newcomers Reading with AIR Language

Use this time to strengthen reading skills on the AIR Language platform! AIR Language offers a variety of reading materials tailored to your students’ levels, ensuring they’re both challenged and supported. AIR Language is especially fruitful when students read for 20 minutes per day.

With these activities, you’ll ensure every student stays engaged, learns something valuable, and feels supported—even during the testing hustle.

What are your favorite classroom management strategies during testing? Share in the comments below!