High-Engagement ELA Games to Review Every Literature Standard Before State Testing
State testing season is right around the corner, and if you're like most upper elementary teachers, you're probably wondering how to review all the reading standards without resorting to endless packets or boring worksheets. Your students are wiggly, tired, and honestly… so are you.
The good news? Reviewing ELA standards doesn't have to be dull or time-consuming to prep. With the right mix of reading comprehension activities, intentional review, and ELA games for upper elementary, you can keep your students engaged while preparing them for success.
This post will walk you through a fun, effective way to review every single reading literature standard (RL.1–RL.9) using classroom-tested, student-approved games. Whether you're unsure how to teach theme, looking for an easy test prep vocabulary review, or just trying to keep your kids from zoning out during review week, you're in the right place.
Review or Teach the Concept
Let’s start with the basics: what exactly are the literature standards we need students to master?
In most states, upper elementary reading standards include:
RL.1 – Citing textual evidence
RL.2 – Determining theme and summarizing
RL.3 – Describing characters, settings, and plot
RL.4 – Understanding word meanings in context
RL.5 – Analyzing structure and craft
RL.6 – Understanding point of view and narrator perspective
RL.7 – Integrating visual and multimedia elements with text
RL.9 – Comparing and contrasting texts from the same author or on similar topics
These standards are often spiraled throughout the year, but as testing approaches, a structured review is crucial to make sure students can confidently apply these skills independently.
And while direct instruction and guided practice are important, repetition through high-engagement games can make all the difference—especially when you’re preparing students to tackle these standards on their own.
How to Turn It Into a Game or Activity
Here’s the fun part: turning those sometimes-tricky standards into fun, fast-paced activities your students actually look forward to. The Literature Standards Game Bundle was created to help teachers review every single RL standard using interactive games that promote collaboration, critical thinking, and student ownership.
What’s Included?
This bundle includes games for:
RL.1–RL.6 (with RL.7 and RL.9 coming soon!)
A variety of formats so students stay engaged
Scaffolded design to gradually increase student independence
Let’s break down a few of the formats included:
Task Card Scoots
Students rotate around the classroom to complete questions related to a specific standard. Perfect for reviewing theme, character traits, and plot structure!Chalk Talks
These silent discussions encourage students to write their responses on chart paper around a central question or prompt. Great for vocabulary, theme, or text-based opinions.Jeopardy-Style Games
A class favorite! Divide students into teams and use a gameboard format to review concepts. You can include definitions, text evidence, theme, and more.Literature Detective Cases
Students use their inference skills to “solve” literature-based mysteries, digging into text clues and collaborating to come to conclusions.
Each activity is standards-aligned, highly engaging, and designed to be completed with minimal teacher direction—making it perfect for independent centers, small group review, or whole-class game days.
Tips for Rolling These Out
Here are a few tips to make your game-based review as smooth and impactful as possible:
Choose the Right Game for the Skill
Not all skills are best reviewed the same way. Try scoots for plot or inference, chalk talks for theme, and Jeopardy for vocabulary or structure.Model Expectations First
Take a few minutes to go over the format with students. Run through one example together so everyone knows what to do.Gradually Release Responsibility
As testing approaches, shift the cognitive load to students. Instead of helping them through each question, encourage them to use their notes, work with partners, or refer to anchor charts.Use Exit Tickets or Wrap-Up Reflections
After each game, ask students to summarize what they learned or identify a skill they want to work on more.Keep It Moving
These games are designed to be fast-paced and energetic. Use a timer, play music during scoots, or add mini-challenges to keep energy high.
Why This Strategy Works for Upper Elementary
Upper elementary students thrive on movement, choice, and collaboration—but they also need structured practice to apply complex reading skills. That’s where game-based review shines.
Using ELA games for upper elementary to review standards offers a few key advantages:
Increases Engagement
Students are more likely to participate and try their best when the task feels fun and interactive.Builds Test-Taking Confidence
The game format mimics test questions, but in a low-pressure setting, helping students feel more prepared.Supports Multiple Language Domains
These games activate listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills—especially helpful for multilingual learners.Reinforces Academic Vocabulary
Whether you’re doing a test prep vocabulary review or diving into figurative language, games help students internalize new terms quickly.Encourages Peer Learning
Working in pairs or small groups allows students to explain their thinking and hear different perspectives.
Plus, these strategies align with the gradual release model: you teach and model early on, then let students take ownership of the review process.
Make It Easy on Yourself
Let’s be honest: prepping multiple games for every standard takes a lot of time. But you don’t have to start from scratch.
Check out the ready-to-use resource here: Literature Standards Game Bundle
The Literature Standards Game Bundle includes:
Standards-aligned games for RL.1 through RL.6 (with RL.7 and RL.9 on the way)
Multiple formats for different learning styles (task cards, scoots, chalk talks, Jeopardy-style, and more)
Print-and-go pages so you’re not spending your Sunday cutting and pasting
Scaffolding and built-in student support
Lifetime updates—when you grab it now, you’ll get all future additions for free!
Whether you need to review one standard per week or blitz through them all during test prep bootcamp, this bundle has everything you need to keep students engaged and learning.
Wrap Up: Try It in Your Classroom!
You don’t have to dread review season—and your students shouldn’t either. With the right tools and a little creativity, reading comprehension activities can feel like a celebration of everything your students have learned, not just another test.
Try one of the games from this post in your classroom this week:
Reviewing how to teach theme? Try a chalk talk.
Need a test prep vocabulary review? Use Jeopardy-style clues.
Practicing character analysis? Get your kids up and moving with a scoot!
And if you’re ready to save yourself tons of prep time, get your hands on the full bundle now:
Grab out the ready-to-use resource here: Literacy Games Bundle
You've got this! And if you ever need help or have questions about using the games with your students, please reach out, I'm here to support you!
