Picture this: your students are actually excited about math test prep. No groaning, no glazed-over eyes – just engaged learners having fun while reviewing key concepts. The best math review makes this possible, and it doesn’t require hours of prep work.
The Test Prep Struggle is Real
We’ve all been there – staring at stacks of review packets, knowing they’ll drain the life out of our students faster than anything else. Nothing kills enthusiasm quite like worksheet after worksheet of testing review. As teachers, we’re already stretched thin with lesson planning, grading, and a million other responsibilities. The last thing we need is test prep that requires hours of preparation.
I made it my mission each year to make test prep as engaging as possible for my students, and it truly made a difference in their performance on state tests. I’ll never forget the day I ditched the review packets. My usually math-anxious students were practically bouncing in their seats, asking if we could play “just one more round.” That’s when I knew I was onto something.
The solution? Games that turn review into an experience students actually look forward to. The top student favorite I used was Review Bowl game shows, and it left students begging to play again.
Why Review Bowl Games Are the Best Math Review for Upper Elementary
Review Bowls are PowerPoint game shows that play like Jeopardy® and cover a variety of math standards. They’re a fun, collaborative way to review content before an end-of-unit test or for end-of-grade review before state testing.
What makes these the best math review activities? They get every student involved in the game. Depending on your available time, you can break down problems after each round and explain solutions. Students work collaboratively to answer questions and learn from one another – it’s like having peer tutoring built right into your review session.
You only need a computer with PowerPoint software, a way to share your screen (classroom TV, projector, or SmartBoard), and whiteboards with markers for each student. That’s it – no copying, no prep work, no materials to gather.
Benefits That Make Teachers and Students Happy
For Teachers:
- Whole class review that keeps everyone engaged
- Paperless and completely no prep
- Easy to differentiate by choosing appropriate grade-level games
- Covers multiple standards in one activity
For Students:
- Engaging and genuinely fun
- Everyone gets to participate, not just the fast finishers
- Collaborative learning environment
- Friendly competition that motivates without stress
Teachers love that it’s efficient whole class review. Students love the bit of friendly competition. It’s truly win-win for everyone!
Getting Started: Your First Review Bowl Game
Setting up your first game is simple:
- Create teams of 3-4 students with mixed ability levels
- Give each student a whiteboard and marker
- Set clear expectations for teamwork and respect
- Start with easier categories to build confidence
- Take time to discuss solutions when needed
The beauty is in the flexibility – you can pause for mini-lessons, speed up for quick reviews, or slow down for deeper discussions based on what your students need.
Teachers love that it’s whole class review. Students love that it is a bit of friendly competition. It’s win-win for teachers and students!
What Teachers Are Saying About Review Bowl Math Games
My students loved using this product. This kept them having fun at the end of the school year. The game was the perfect activity to keep them from being bored. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Kathleen B., 3rd grade teacher
This was such a fun and thorough way to review before end of year testing. The format allows for each student to show their own knowledge on the topics, and the breadth of standards covered is great. It’s so convenient to have all of the standards to review in the same place/format. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Kayla, 4th grade teacher
I used this as a way to review before the end of year state testing. I loved how I could buy all three gameshows as a bundle, so we were able to review a wide variety of standards that they would see on the test. I will be using it again next year! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hailey F., 5th grade teacher
A great thorough review that my students enjoyed. It challenged them and made them think all the way through what we had learned this year. This was exactly what I was looking for to help them prepare for end of the year testing. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Michaela S., 6th grade teacher
Ready to Transform Your Math Review?
Stop dreading test prep season and start looking forward to it. Your students deserve math review that’s engaging, effective, and actually fun – and you deserve resources that don’t add to your already overwhelming to-do list.
Transform Boring Math Reviews into Exciting Game Shows
Bring the excitement of a game show to your math class with a game show for grades 4-6. Engage students, encourage teamwork, and make learning an unforgettable experience!
Whether you’re preparing for end-of-year testing or reviewing after winter break, these games will transform how your students approach math review. Because the best math review shouldn’t feel like work – for you or your students.
Want more ideas for making math engaging? Check out my complete guide to Review Bowl Math Games or explore 5 Math Review Games for Elementary Students that will keep your classroom buzzing with excitement.
