The Amazing Race

One of my favorite television shows is The Amazing Race. The adventures, the challenges and seeing the world in 60 minutes is thrilling.

Last year, RCA (The Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia) held The Amazing Race in New York City. Students were given clues and had to find the locations around the city before given their next clue.  I was fascinated by this activity. I loved the idea of incorporating a lesson into this tv show's concept during a field trip to New York City. Brilliant!

Immediately I knew I had to do this activity too. But how? Traveling to New York City nor around our small town was an option. If I couldn't "travel the world" with my students, I would bring the world to them.

After my instruction on map skills, I decided it was time for The Amazing Race. I reached out to our 7th grade teachers to be "host countries." Five amazing teachers gave up their planning time to man a station.

My students raced in small groups. Each group was given a map packet, an atlas, and an initial clue. They had to find the country that matched their clue based on latitude and longitude coordinates. They went to the 7th grade wing and had to locate their "country." Once there, students participated in a game that is popular in that country. When they successfully completed the task, they were given their next clue. After visiting five countries, the race was over.
                                   

This activity reinforced the map skills I had taught, engaged the students in meaningful review, presented cultural activities, and promoted cooperation and problem solving within each group.

I am planning another Amazing Race this spring because the students keep telling me they want to race again. How can I say no?

Student Engagement: Games!

Who does not love to play games? Sometimes grabbing your students' attention can be a daunting task. Adding games into your lessons can be an easy means to engage your students. 

*** Jenga

 

Jenga has become a popular game in my classroom. It is easily adapted to all subject areas. I purchased the regular game and then picked 9 paint colors and paint the ends of the Jenga blocks using those colors. Create your game template.

 Now, we have a Giant Jenga in my class, and the students LOVE it. Who wouldn't!

Giant Jenga is not as easy as it looks.

Here is the link to my Teachers Pay Teachers store where you can find several Jenga games.

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Tricia-Skelton

*** Flyswatters

A fun review game is used with flyswatters. I bought enough for my class at Wal-Mart. They are sold 2 for $1. Students write on their desks with Expo markers the vocabulary words we are reviewing. I will call out the definition or use the word in a sentence. The students then swat the word. It is also fun to play with pairs. One student writes half of the words and the other student writes the other half.

It is also fun to play with pairs. One student writes half of the words and the other student writes the other half.

***Twister

Who doesn’t love Twister!?! Put vocabulary words or study guide questions on the game board or use cardstock. Use a Twister spinner when calling out the definitions or questions. I have several games going at one time. The students not playing the round watch for incorrect answers and putting knees on the carpet. They LOVE it! Expect lots of giggles. 

*** Frisbees

Students love going outside. I typically do this game outdoors, but sometimes we play in the hallway.

There are several ways you can use Frisbees. The first is to call out a word or question and the student has to give the correct definition or answer before he/she can throw it to their partner. The partner then has to use the word in a sentence or has to give more information about the question/answer.

I have also given students Expo markers to use on the Frisbee. One game is to have them write a cause on the Frisbee about a novel or reading passage. The partner then has to write an effect and throw it back. You could use this in all sorts of ways.

*** Headbands

Headband review is so much fun! I type words onto cardstock and then laminate the cards. I give each group (usually just 2 students per group) a set of cards. The first person sticks a card in the headband and gives the definition to their partner. The partner has to give the correct vocabulary word. You could also do this with study guides and reading comprehension questions.

Be sure to wash the headbands after each use.

I love to use the Minute to Win It countdown as a fun way to energize and motivate the kids. You can find it on YouTube.

*** Pictionary

Getting students excited about the content is easily done when games are incorporated. Have fun!