Welcome to the end of April where test prep is in full swing and many of you are feeling the fatigue setting in. I encountered this exact sentiment while working with a group of middle school ELA teachers just today. Your students have checked out, and are comfortably buried under their hoodies and distracted by the promise of summer. I hear you. The struggle is real and this ‘dip’ is the same one we face year after year. But hear me when I assure you that it’s not too late to inject some excitement and engagement back into your ELA classrooms, especially as you prepare for the state exams.
Now, I understand the necessity of relying on test prep books and worksheets, and at the same time I appreciate the feeling of exhaustion as you’re going through the motions. But this is that pivotal point where we have to dig deep and find creative and inventive ways to not only review the standards but to engage our students more than ever. We are too close to the finish line to start slowing down now.
So, what if I told you there’s a way to gamify your test prep reviews that will get your students jazzed and back on board?
Well then, allow me to introduce you to “The Unfair Game“.
It was my sister, a middle school math teacher (yes, we’ll forgive her for the ‘math’ thing), that told me about this game. Although her version is slightly different, quite honestly, it is simply too good of an idea to keep a secret. So here it is…
The concept is simple yet enticingly unpredictable. Imagine a board with numbers (like a BINGO board) let’s say 1 through 9 (or 10, 12, etc.), each hiding a question related to a particular text or concept you’ve covered throughout the year. The catch? The point values associated with each question remain a mystery until a student selects a number. Will it be a jackpot or a setback? That’s for your students to gamble on. Hence, the “unfair” game.
Here’s how it works:
- You, as the teacher, prepare a list of questions (the amount is completely up to you), each with its own point value; some questions are positive points while others are negative.
- Then, prepare a numbered chart like the one below, making sure students do not see the point values for each question until they’ve answered it.
- Now, divide the class in half.
- When a team chooses a number (that corresponds with a question), they have the option to keep it or pass it along, taking a chance on the unknown points that question is worth. If they answer the question correctly, they earn the corresponding points, aiming to earn the most points as possible without dipping into the negatives. If they had passed it on, the opposing team earns the points instead.
Adaptations to “The Unfair Game“
There are a few ways you can adapt the game to suit your classroom’s dynamics. Maybe you prefer a digital version with clickable hyperlinks, mimicking a TV game show like Jeopardy but with a twist.
Access this editable “Unfair Game” template in my online store
Or perhaps you opt for a lottery-style approach, where students earn chances to win prizes by answering questions and claiming numbered squares. Then, assign each student a student number and use an online number generator, such as Wordwall or Wheel of Names, to give random prizes that are earned based on the numbers selected.
Speaking of prizes, whatever you do, please don’t underestimate the power of incentives. From candy treats to privileges like listening to music while working, maybe even lunch with the teacher, remember that rewards can reignite your students’ motivation to participate and excel. Nothing fancy or expensive… even a simple sticker can do the trick.
The beauty of “The Unfair Game” lies in its versatility.
It breathes new life into review sessions without adding unnecessary complexity to your workload.
Better yet, it promotes some healthy competition and excitement in class at a time when you need it most.
Although we’re only “32 days away” from the finish line, as today’s teachers eagerly informed me, now is the time we really need to tighten our bootstraps and embrace the challenge of reenergizing our classrooms. Today’s team has taken this idea and ran with it putting it into practice as we speak. It never gets old for me to see the sparkle come back into the eyes of teachers who, once defeated, feel empowered and capable. Turning those basic, black and white, photocopied worksheets into engaging games doesn’t require a whole ton of prep on our part. What it does require, however, is the willingness to give it a try.
So here’s to today’s brave ELA team for taking on this idea, with renewed energy and enthusiasm, and putting it into practice to engage their students to finish the year strong. Now the question is… will you?
Stay the course my friends, get creative, and let the games begin!