Simple and effective TEST PREP games for older kids
I have several test review games that are NO prep (or very, very little prep) and super simple. My middle school students need a review game because we all know that “silent study” time is not often effective. I need these game to be very little prep (for obvious reasons), and I need them to be really simple to explain to students - no complicated rules.
Here are 5 super simple review games that you can use TODAY in your classroom:
1. Attack
Overview: This one is my personal favorite (and I think my 7th graders would agree)! Each group draws a castle (or anything, really) on the board. Groups compete to “attack” the other castles. Teachers asks groups questions one at a time. When a group answers correctly, they get to “attack” a castle by drawing an “X” in their castle space. When a castle gets “attacked” 3 times, the group is disqualified.
Modifications: This game is flexible, so you can use it whenever! It can be a 50-minute game or a 15-minute game. You can modify the time by having groups “attack” more than one castle at a time. You can also modify the number of “attacks” to disqualify. If you want it to last longer, the castles could withstand 5 “attacks” instead of 3, for example.
Prep: Have a list of questions ready. Section off the board for the groups’ castles. Optional: group students ahead of time.
2. Battleship
Overview: This is usually a hit with middle school students. Groups write 5 different content-relevant questions on separate sheets of paper and crumple it up into a ball. When it’s their turn, they will throw the paper to another group. If this group answers correctly, they can throw one of their papers to a different group. If the group answers incorrectly, one of their ships has sunk. When 5 ships have sunk, the group is disqualified.
Modifications: To save time (and to be sure the questions are relevant and rigorous), print a bank of questions for groups to choose from. The groups can cut them out (in strips) and crumple it up to use. You can adjust the number of questions and the number of ships.
Prep: Optional: printed list of questions for each group
3. Beachball Toss
Overview: This is a great quick game that can be played if you end up with a spare few minutes at the end of class! Basically, you just toss the beachball and that student answers a question. They toss to another to take turns.
Modifications: Write numbers on the beachball. The number the student’s right hand is closest to signifies the question in your list. You could also write the question directly on the beachball. Personally, I prefer writing the numbers, so it can be used for any content.
Prep: List of questions.
4. Trashketball
Overview: This one is pretty common, and it’s pretty simple! Students/groups take turns answering questions to earn points. For extra points, they can shoot into the trashcan.
Modifications: Use what you have in the classroom! You can use balled up paper and a trashcan, or you can get fancy with a real toy basketball hoop and real toy balls. You can adjust the line at which students must stand to shoot. You can even have 3 different lines to represent 3 different point values. This might help your non-athletic/shy students if you’re requiring each student to shoot.
Prep: List of questions. Crumpled paper (or whatever you’re using for a ball).
5. Points
Of course, you can always just play for points! Group students and ask questions for groups to earn points.
BONUS: Jeopardy
I’ll admit, this one is NOT no prep. It’s a great review game if you have plenty of class time and have time to put it together. I have some resources to make this prep easier for you!
Need questions for your games?
Search my store by standard tag (Ex: SS7H2a, SS6G1b, SS5CG1) to find resources. You can use the multiple choice questions from all those reading packets!
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