10 Fun Activities to Make Standardized Test Prep Engaging for ESL Students
Standardized test reading passages can be tricky, especially for ESL students who are still mastering the English language. But test prep doesn’t have to be boring! With a little creativity, you can turn reading comprehension practice into something fun and engaging. In this post, I’ll share 10 fun ways to make reading passages more interactive and enjoyable for your ESL middle school students.
1. Turn the Passage into a Comic Strip
Reading comprehension meets creativity! After reading the passage, have students summarize it by creating a comic strip. Let them draw the characters, add speech bubbles, and retell the story using their own words. Visual learners especially benefit from this activity because it helps them picture the story while improving understanding.
2. Passage Scavenger Hunt
Turn your reading passage into a scavenger hunt. Provide students with a list of key details or specific words to find in the text. Make it a timed challenge for a little friendly competition. This technique not only makes reading fun but also boosts attention to detail—something that’s crucial for standardized tests.
3. Role Play the Passage
Get students involved by having them role-play scenes or characters from the passage. Acting out the text brings it to life, makes it easier to remember, and adds an element of excitement to reading comprehension practice.
4. Story Retell Relay
This activity gets students moving while working on comprehension. In small groups, one student reads a section of the passage and retells it to the next person. The relay continues until the passage is fully summarized. It’s a high-energy way to reinforce understanding while building teamwork skills.
5. Interactive Choice Boards
Add some choice to your reading practice! Create a choice board with different activities related to the passage, such as writing an alternate ending, drawing the setting, or composing a short poem. Allow students to pick the activity they find most interesting, keeping them engaged in the reading process.
6. Escape Room Challenge
Transform the reading passage into a series of clues in an “escape room” challenge. Students work together to answer comprehension questions that help them unlock the next clue. It adds an element of adventure and makes reading passages a thrilling part of your lesson.
7. Character or Author Interview
Have students write and act out interviews with the characters or author of the passage. They can ask questions about the characters’ motivations or the author’s intent, helping them dive deeper into the text and understand different perspectives.
8. Graphic Organizers with a Twist
Use fun graphic organizers like a “story mountain” or a “character journey map” to help students break down the passage. Visual aids like these make it easier for students to understand the sequence of events, main ideas, and details—key skills for tackling reading passages on standardized tests.
9. Passage Puzzle
Print the passage and cut it into sections. Turn it into a puzzle for students to solve by putting the sections in the correct order. This activity reinforces sequencing skills, attention to detail, and helps students understand the flow of a text—all essential for test prep.
10. Game Show Format
Turn reading comprehension into a game show! Use a format like “Jeopardy!” or “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” with questions about the passage. Divide the class into teams, and let them compete to see who can answer the most questions correctly. This keeps students engaged and reinforces key concepts in a fun, competitive way.
Incorporating these fun strategies into your reading practice will keep your students engaged and improve their reading comprehension skills. Preparing for standardized tests doesn’t have to be a drag—it can be an exciting challenge that students actually enjoy!
Ready to Make Test Prep Fun and Effective?
As ESL teachers, we all know how important it is to differentiate instruction, especially when it comes to preparing students for standardized tests. My ESL Teacher Membership includes leveled reading passages for beginning, intermediate, and advanced ESL students, along with engaging activities to help your students master reading comprehension, grammar, writing, and speaking.
With the membership, you’ll have access to exclusive resources that will save you time and help your students succeed—whether they’re just starting their English journey or preparing for standardized tests. If you’re ready to make reading passages engaging and fun, join the ESL Teacher Membership today and start exploring leveled reading materials and differentiated lessons!
