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WHY TEACHERS ARE TURNING TO THE UNFAIR GAME?

And in classrooms across the world, students are sitting up and paying attention...

Is it a generational thing? Why does it seem like every cohort that comes into my classroom is a little more distracted?


Short of standing on my desk and juggling as I present the curriculum, keeping the attention and maintaining motivation levels of my students has risen to the top of my priority list. It is fair to say that it is difficult to meet more nuanced learning goals without first developing a culture of growth in the classroom and finding ways to maintain attention.


I even wonder if there is residue from global events and lockdowns that has left my current students with something not unlike despondency. I know I feel that way sometimes!

There was a kind of burnout that left many students still operating as if they are just another square on a Zoom call screen – the word that comes to mind is 'DISENGAGED'."


Perhaps this is why The Unfair Game has come to the rescue of so many classrooms.

How to play The Unfair Game

The Game is a classroom activity and a lesson plan that is centered around maximizing engagement.


PREP:

  • Write a list of prizes on the board as incentives to play.
  • Prepare the content you would like to cover in a series of slides
  • Gain access to a digital spinning wheel for selecting a random students
  • Provide students a visual timer

GAMEPLAY

  1. Commence the game by posing a question about your content (any subject)
  2. Spin the wheel to select a random student who will answer the question
  3. If they respond correctly, they select a prize and you write their name next to the prize
  4. If all prizes are already taken by other students, they may replace someone's name with their own - UNFAIR!
  5. Play continues until all content is covered or the teacher decides to end the session.

ADDITIONAL RULES

  • Using a template or Powerpoint spreadsheet can help you gather all the necessary parts to run the game in one place.
  • You can only steal a prize from someone once all prizes have been claimed
  • You can only 'claim' one prize at a time.
  • If you answer correctly for a second time, you can place a "shield" around your prize to protect it from being taken once.

PRIZES

Prizes should be low-budget and novelty items that stimulate excitement without becoming so desirable that they lead to conflict or too much competitiveness.


Here are a list of some prizes that teachers have tried and tested:

Barbie doll dressed as Bob the Builder

Bouncy Ball

Choose the next group game

Custom stationery

DJ rights

Fat Sharpie

High-five from Head of school

Homework pass

Jar of pickles

Marshmallows

Mystery Bag

Novelty potato with a face drawn on it

Post-it Notes

Rubber ducky

Selfie with a teacher

Sit at Teacher's Desk

Special seat in the classroom

Stamps

Stickers

Technology Time pass

Tiktok dance with teacher

Tiny Erasers





Connect

You're not alone when it comes to this activity. If you have any questions or would like suggestions or support, visit our Facebook Group!

Also, make sure you SHARE your experience of running the activity!


Summary

The best thing about this game is its versatility. As you start playing with your students, you will quickly learn their playing style and the nuances that make each session successful. The activity is flexible enough to be adjusted by teachers on-the-go, and it ensures high engagement levels that help you cover key curriculum content and assessments effectively.


Undoubtedly, your students will be begging to play again in no time! You can leverage their excitement by exploring the variety of different formats and themes listed below to cover more content.


Enjoy The Unfair Game!