Just like old times: I'm sitting in a classroom and writing during my plan period. It's been really fun being in a school, making lame jokes (every kids' favorite) and practicing all the fine points of teaching. Of course, it's also been challenging since the school is doing ACCESS testing this month and the schedule has electives conducting 90 minute classes each day.
Here are some fun things to try if you, too, are in need of a low-stress way to engage students and/or offer brain breaks:
- Black Magic - This is an old summer camp game that blows the kids' minds. I've never done it with kids older than 8th grade. First, send one student out of the room. Next, give the rest of the kids the task of picking one specific item in the classroom. While the class is selecting, you go into the hallway to share the "magic." Instruct your magical student that when they come in, you'll point to a series of objects. They say "no" until they hear the black item, which is the cue for them to say "yes" on the next one. Before bringing the magical child in, make sure you go back and have the class tell you exactly what they picked so you can set up the trick. Example:
Teacher (talking to whole class): Ok, what did you pick?
Random Student (points at orange marker)
Teacher: Cool. So everyone understands this is the item?
(point or hold it up)
Great! Someone go and open the door.
Magical Kid walks in
Teacher: Is it the blue carpet?
Kid: No
Teacher: Is it the red ball?
Kid: No
Teacher: Is it the black stapler?
Kid: No
Teacher: Is it the orange marker?
Kid: Yes!
Everyone: WHOOOAAAAHHHH!
- Dollar Bill Mania - In all my years of teaching, this is the one game with a 100% success rate. I've never had a kid complain about playing this one. Well, maybe there was one... Again, I've never played with a group older than 8th grade, but I think this one will work with high schoolers. As an aside, these instructions might not make a whole lot of sense if you just read them, so feel free to inquire if you're interested in trying it out.
You set up by 1. Printing off a bunch of fake dollar bills (search "Dollar Money Sheet" in Box); 2. Cutting them all out; 3. Finding/purchasing enough dice for each person in your class. The kids will 1. Receive 10 fake dollars and 1 die; 2. Challenge as many people as possible to Rock Paper Scissors (aka RPS) or a dice roll; 3. Try to win money. If they win RPS or roll a higher number on the dice roll, they receive $1 from their partner. The rules are simple: 1. Be honest (no withholding money); 2. Be trustworthy (no stealing); 3. Meet new people (don't stalk your friends). The game goes for as long as you wish and you can award a prize to the person with the most cash at the end, if you choose.
- Dots - My dad taught me how to play this as a kid and I used it extensively with my students. It's a perfect small group, sit down game. First, print out the necessary page (search "Dots Game Printable" in Box). Distribute the page to a group of kids (2-5 is a good size group). Then the kids take turns connecting dots. The goal is to complete boxes; the person with the most boxes at the end wins. See the pictures and detailed instructions here.
Sending all of you my warmest wishes for a successful testing season!
