Testing season can be one of the most challenging times of the year for both teachers and students. Long testing blocks, changes in routine, and the pressure to perform can leave everyone feeling a little more stressed than usual. Over the years, many teachers have discovered that a few simple tools and small rewards can make a big difference in helping students stay motivated, focused, and confident during testing week.
Whether it’s offering a small reward after a testing session, providing calming tools for students who feel anxious, or simply making sure the classroom is set up with the right supplies, thoughtful preparation can help testing days run much more smoothly.
Below you’ll find a collection of classroom-tested ideas and helpful tools that many teachers use to support their students during testing week. From motivation and rewards to calming strategies and practical classroom supplies, these resources can help create a positive testing environment where students feel encouraged to do their best.
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Small Rewards to Keep Students Motivated During Testing Week
Testing week can feel long for elementary students, and a little encouragement can go a long way. Many teachers like to offer small rewards or motivational tools throughout the week to help students stay positive and confident. These simple items can make testing feel a little less stressful and give students something to look forward to after each testing session.
Motivational Stickers
Motivational stickers are a classic classroom reward that students still love. Teachers can give them out after each testing session or use them to recognize students who show effort and perseverance. Stickers with encouraging messages can also reinforce a positive mindset during testing week.
→ Motivational Stickers
https://amzn.to/4lvKevf
Affirmation Stickers
Affirmation stickers are another great option for testing week. Many of these feature encouraging phrases like “You’ve Got This” or “Believe in Yourself,” which can help students feel confident before and after a test. Teachers often place them on student work folders, testing booklets, or reward charts.
→ Affirmation Stickers
https://amzn.to/4scby4h
Mini Fidget Toy Pack
Short breaks between testing sessions can help students reset and refocus. A small pack of mini fidget toys can be a great reward option and can also help students release nervous energy. Teachers often let students choose one after completing a test section or use them as a calm-down break tool.
→ Mini Fidget Toys
https://amzn.to/470GJqH
Affirmation Stress Balls
Stress balls are another simple tool that can help students relax during testing week. These affirmation stress balls combine a calming sensory tool with encouraging messages. Students can squeeze them during breaks to release tension and refocus before the next test session.
→ Affirmation Stress Balls
https://amzn.to/3NfHJ3v
Student Goal Setting Chart
A goal-setting chart is a great way to help students stay motivated throughout the testing period. Teachers can have students set a personal goal for focus, effort, or perseverance each day. Watching their progress on the chart can help students stay engaged and proud of their hard work.
→ Goal Setting Chart
https://amzn.to/4bcrUUs
Testing-Themed Pencils
Testing-themed pencils are a fun and inexpensive reward option. Many sets include encouraging phrases like “Do Your Best” or “You’re Awesome.” Teachers often give these out at the start of testing week or as a small reward after completing a test.
→ Testing Pencils
https://amzn.to/3P9zQxe
Inspirational Wristbands
Inspirational wristbands are another fun way to boost student confidence during testing week. Students enjoy wearing them as a reminder to stay positive and keep trying their best. They also work well as a simple reward at the end of testing or as part of a small encouragement kit.
→ Inspirational Wristbands
https://amzn.to/4lADQTA
Tools to Help Students Stay Calm and Focused During Testing
Testing week can bring extra nerves and restlessness for many students. Having a few calming and focus tools available can help students regulate their emotions and stay engaged throughout long testing sessions. These tools are especially helpful for students who benefit from quiet movement or sensory supports.
Chair Bands for Fidgety Feet
Chair bands are a simple way to support students who need a little movement while they work. These bands stretch across the legs of a chair, allowing students to gently push or bounce their feet while staying seated. Many teachers find that this small movement helps students stay focused during longer testing periods.
→ Chair Bands for Fidgety Feet
https://amzn.to/4bkZ1Ek
Silicone Worry Stones
Worry stones are quiet sensory tools that students can rub with their fingers to help calm anxious feelings. Silicone versions are especially classroom-friendly because they are silent and easy to clean. These can be a great option to offer students during testing breaks or as part of a calm-down space.
→ Silicone Worry Stones
https://amzn.to/4bK8W7K
Sensory Rings
Sensory rings are another quiet fidget option that many students enjoy. These small rings can be rolled up and down a finger to provide gentle sensory input without causing distractions. Because they are small and silent, they work well during testing or independent work time.
→ Sensory Rings
https://amzn.to/4bplIHz
Maze Breathing Boards
Breathing boards help guide students through slow, controlled breathing patterns that can reduce stress and help them refocus. Maze-style breathing boards are especially engaging for elementary students because they can trace the path while practicing deep breaths. These work well as part of a short calming routine before testing begins.
→ Maze Breathing Boards
https://amzn.to/4sJUulR
Printable Calm Down Strategy Cards
Having calming strategies readily available can make it easier for students to manage testing anxiety. These printable SEL strategy cards provide simple techniques students can use when they feel overwhelmed, such as deep breathing, grounding exercises, or positive self-talk.
→ Printable SEL Strategy Cards
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Printable-SEL-Strategy-Cards-for-K3-13766964
Calming Strategy Choice Boards
Choice boards give students a visual way to choose a calming strategy that works best for them. These boards can be placed in a calm-down corner or used before testing begins to help students select a strategy that helps them feel ready and focused.
→ Calming Strategy Choice Boards
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Calming-Strategy-Choice-Boards-and-Mini-Menus-SEL-Tools-for-Calm-Down-Corner-13868696
Calming Sensory Strips
Calming strips attach directly to a student’s desk and provide a textured surface for quiet sensory input. Students can run their fingers across the strip while working, which can help reduce fidgeting and increase focus. Because they stay on the desk, they are an easy and discreet classroom tool.
→ Calming Sensory Strips
https://amzn.to/4luNfvy
Practical Testing Tools Teachers Love
In addition to motivating and calming students, having the right classroom tools can make testing week run much more smoothly. These practical items help create a focused testing environment while also making it easier for teachers to manage the logistics of longer testing blocks.
Visual Countdown Timers
Visual timers are one of the most helpful tools for testing week. Instead of repeatedly asking how much time remains, students can easily see the countdown and pace themselves. Teachers often use these timers to signal testing time, breaks, or transitions between sections.
→ Visual Countdown Timer
https://amzn.to/4sfwQxU
→ Alternative Visual Timer Option
https://amzn.to/3P1MYo5
Testing Privacy Folders
Privacy folders help reduce distractions and keep student work confidential during testing. Many classrooms already use them for assessments, but they are especially helpful during state testing periods. Colorful folders can also make it easy to organize materials by class or testing group.
→ Multi-Colored Privacy Folders
https://amzn.to/40wTuWo
→ Black Privacy Folders
https://amzn.to/3Nqehb5
Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Some students focus better when outside sounds are minimized. Noise-cancelling headphones can help block distractions and create a quieter testing experience, especially in classrooms where multiple groups may be working at the same time.
→ Noise-Cancelling Headphones
https://amzn.to/4sPlhgP
Heavy-Duty Pencil Sharpener
A reliable pencil sharpener is a must during testing week. Students often need freshly sharpened pencils before a test begins, and a sturdy classroom sharpener helps avoid interruptions. Many teachers keep one sharpened-pencil station available so students are ready before testing starts.
→ Heavy-Duty Pencil Sharpener
https://amzn.to/40xLCDT
Teacher Testing Week Survival Essentials
Testing week can be just as exhausting for teachers as it is for students. Long testing blocks, schedule changes, and the pressure of helping students do their best can make the week feel especially busy. Having a few small comforts at your desk can make the days run a little smoother.
Insulated Coffee Mug
A good insulated mug is a lifesaver during testing week. With long mornings of monitoring tests, it’s nice to have coffee that actually stays warm. Many teachers love mugs with fun sayings like “Chaos Coordinator,” which perfectly describes testing week in many classrooms.
→ Chaos Coordinator Insulated Coffee Mug
https://amzn.to/4uqSyR7
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated during long testing days is just as important as staying caffeinated. A durable water bottle at your desk makes it easy to take quick sips between monitoring and helping students.
→ Teacher Water Bottle
https://amzn.to/3NEjT1q
Desk Snack Organizer
Testing schedules can make it hard to find time for a real break, so having a few quick snacks nearby can help keep your energy up throughout the day. A small desk snack organizer makes it easy to keep granola bars, trail mix, or other quick snacks within reach.
→ Snack Organizer Option 1
https://amzn.to/4rAr5tA
→ Snack Organizer Option 2
https://amzn.to/4lrYpkK
Desk Fan
Classrooms can start to feel warm during spring testing season, especially when students are working quietly for long periods of time. A small desk fan can help keep your workspace comfortable during those long testing blocks.
→ Desk Fan Option 1
https://amzn.to/4shtk64
→ Desk Fan Option 2
https://amzn.to/4cOhA6g
Comfortable Chair Cushion
Sitting and monitoring testing for extended periods can take a toll. A comfortable chair cushion can add extra support and make long testing sessions much easier on your back.
→ Chair Cushion Option 1
https://amzn.to/40wU72c
→ Chair Cushion Option 2
https://amzn.to/4lsaSVD
Motivational Teacher T-Shirts
Sometimes the best way to survive testing week is with a little humor and positivity. Motivational teacher t-shirts are a fun way to bring some encouragement to the classroom and remind students (and yourself!) that everyone is doing their best.
→ Motivational Teacher T-Shirt
https://amzn.to/4sce8XV
→ Teacher Encouragement Shirt
https://amzn.to/40xXW75
→ Teacher Inspiration Shirt
https://amzn.to/4luQS4R
→ Positive Teacher Shirt
https://amzn.to/4uqSbG9
Testing season can feel overwhelming, but a few small tools and thoughtful supports can make a big difference for both teachers and students. From motivational rewards to calming tools and practical classroom supplies, these items can help create a positive testing environment where students feel encouraged to do their best.
Whether you’re preparing for state testing or simply looking for ways to make testing week run more smoothly, having a few of these resources ready can help everyone feel a little more prepared and confident.
Save This Post for Later
Testing week always seems to sneak up quickly, and it can be helpful to have a list of ideas ready when you’re preparing your classroom. If you’re planning ahead for testing season, be sure to save this post so you can easily come back to it when you’re getting ready for testing week.
📌 Pin this post to your “Teacher Ideas,” “Testing Week,” or “Classroom Management” Pinterest boards so you have these ideas handy when you need them!
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