review games in the classroom

Alright, let’s talk about spicing up the classroom with some review games. It’s always a drag to go through the same old textbook stuff, right? So, I figured, why not make it fun?

First off, I started digging around for ideas. I mean, there’s gotta be a better way than just drilling questions. That’s when I stumbled upon this idea of turning review sessions into games. The basic idea was to ditch the worksheets and get the kids moving and interacting.

So, I picked a few simple ones to start. One of them was this “Around the World” game. It’s super easy. You have one student stand behind another, and you ask a question. Whoever answers first moves on to the next student. It’s like a duel, but with knowledge! The kids loved the competition, and it really got them engaged with the material.

Then, I tried out something called “Friendly Feud.” I split the class into teams and had them guess the most popular answers to questions related to what we were studying. It was hilarious to see them debate over what the “top” answer would be. Plus, it reinforced the concepts in a way that they’d actually remember.

• Around the World: Two students, one question, fastest answer wins.
• Friendly Feud: Teams guess popular answers, just like the TV show.

I also threw in some group contests. Basically, I’d divide the class into smaller groups, and they’d compete to answer questions or solve problems. I kept track of points for each group, and believe me, that competitive spirit really amped up the energy in the room. It wasn’t just about knowing the answers; it was about working together and strategizing as a team.

What worked well?

The best part was seeing the kids actually enjoy reviewing. They were up on their feet, laughing, and, most importantly, learning. And because it was all a game, they were way more relaxed and open to participating. Honestly, it was a win-win. They got a break from the usual routine, and I got to see them engage with the material in a whole new way.

What could have been better?

Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Sometimes the games got a bit too chaotic, and it was hard to keep everyone on track. Plus, I realized I needed to be super clear with the rules beforehand to avoid any confusion. Oh, and picking the right prizes for the winners was tougher than I thought it would be! It’s a fine line between motivating them and creating too much competition.

But hey, you live and learn, right? Overall, it was a blast, and I’m definitely going to keep using games in my reviews. It just makes everything so much more enjoyable for everyone involved. Trust me, give it a shot, and you’ll see the difference it makes!