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
- Commence the game by posing a question about your content (any subject)
- Spin the wheel to select a random student who will answer the question
- If they respond correctly, they select a prize and you write their name next to the prize
- If all prizes are already taken by other students, they may replace someone's name with their own - UNFAIR!
- 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!