Spice It Up...Brain Challengers

As the term draws to a very rapid conclusion here in Brisbane, I find the children (teachers as well) are also very tired and ready for a well deserved break. This is the very time we Relief Teachers have to be at the top of our game with teaching strategies that engage all learning styles and maximize interest.

The following are four examples of games that are far from fillers. The content you use and the objectives you desire to be obtained can really made interesting with these games as a template.
Most importantly have fun.....on a personal note, I have used Vote with Your Feet as an interesting introduction to a rather dull history lesson. Human Noughts and Crosses as the focus on the non verbal communication skills, Celebrity Heads was a lot of fun at the conclusion of a novel study when the celebrities became characters from the novel, and Hot Seat is a great way to evaluate the retention of a lesson filled with lots of facts or general knowledge like collective nouns or proverbs etc.

Love to read of any other games you find a useful learning tool. I do have lots more in my book but these are just a taste! I am sure you know loads more than I do!

The fun is in the experimentation...


Vote With Your Feet:
This is a strategy for getting all the class involved and
thinking about the discussion at hand. It challenges everyone to have an opinion and
reason why. Application is very broad. Basic concept: All children stand. Explain
that we are going to vote with our feet after I make a general statement. Should you
strongly agree with the statement move to this side of the room, not sure in the centre
of the room and strongly disagree to the opposite side of the room. The wonderful part
comes when you seek the reason why they are of that opinion. Use the Koosh ball and
watch in the interactions heat up. This concept also works well in the lower grades for
the true/false statements. I have also used it to heighten interest in a rather dull
history lesson. Instead of an opinion the class had to vote with their feet on which of
the two outcomes they thought was realistic. They had fun voting with their feet and I
had fun thinking on my feet! Anything that gets children active learners is a winner for
me!
Human Noughts And Crosses:
Only resources necessary are nine chairs in the array of three and the
class divided in two equal groups. If you would like to
highlight the importance of good communication in teamwork then insist that for the
first two games no communication/speaking is allowed at all. The game is played just
like the paper version. The crosses team cross their arms across their chest and play
one person at a time. The noughts must have their hands on their heads to indicate a
circle. Boys verses girls works well too. Three in a row are the winners. For the next
two games talking is allowed. Discuss your observations? What was the difference
and why? The other version is to divide into two teams. The chair arrangement is in
the centre of the room. Issue a mathematical based problem to one team, if they are
correct they may take a seat on the array. Continue taking turns and first in a row of
three are the champions! Fun too!

Celebrity Heads: It is worthwhile giving this game some thought as to how you
can best use its structure. I always have my picture cards in my Bag of Tricks so the
little ones can have a visual link. The older children respond well to links with the
literature they are currently reading or the topic they are studying. No resources are
required if the players sit in front of the board and their character is displayed above
their heads and line of sight. Consider reverse Celebrity Heads where the three
contestants know who or what they are; however, it is the class who has to formulate
the questions.

Hot Seat: This game could be adapted to be used in any application where you are
requiring children to answer quick short answer questions. I mainly use it for
vocabulary and or language based questions, like finish the proverb, names for
collective nouns or antonyms. It is also a great revision tool. Form the class into a
circle. Place a chair “The Hot Seat” at the top of the circle like the throne. The first
‘victim’, I mean, student sits in the seat. I ‘fire off’ a question. The child stays in the hot
seat until they are incorrect or say pass. Be very mindful of how any class game can
place a lot of stress on the learner. I would never say “wrong” when a child attempts
an answer or even chooses pass. I do have a funny buzzer noise I say like “Nar!”
then I add “Thank you for playing.” Personally I think this helps to reinforce that this
is playing and I thank them for choosing to play. I will also make the ultimate winner
thank the class for playing, as without them he/she would not be a winner.

Live, laugh and learn and don't forget to post a comment with you great ideas...we are all learners together!
Carmel