Your class will soon have a new favorite game... "Let's Make a Deal!" It's simple, it requires little prep (hip hip hooray), and kids totally love it. It's great to hear your class crack up when someone makes a bad trade. Be sure add a frontloaded discussion about being good sports before you begin. You can also modify the game to make it a "win-win" for everyone. Interested? Read more below.
All you need for this fun game is a homemade question deck, prizes (quite a few small items, a handful of silly items, and a couple of really good items), and "doors" (I use garbage cans or boxes placed upside down over the item).
Here's how to play . . .
- Create a question deck. Pick four categories or skills that need reviewing and come up with five question cards per category. Math facts, plurals, pronouns, quotes, and parts of speech are good choices. Place the cards in a pocket chart at the front of your room.
- Divide your class into two teams. Two children (one from each team) square-off at a time. Have the kids each roll a die to determine who gets to pick the category. It just adds a little more "sizzle" to the game.
- STOP and frontload this. Talk about what it means to be a good sport. It will keep hurt feelings to a minimum when we remind them that this is all in good fun. A small treat/prize can be awarded at the end of the game for everyone who shows good sportsmanship.
- When a category is selected, read the question aloud and have each player write their answer on a mini-white board. For example, have them write out a quote or re-write a sentence to include the pronoun instead of the noun.
- Whoever gets the right answer first is the winner. It's just like the TV show. Offer this child a fairly nice prize. It is not his/her decision to keep it or trade if for something under one of the "doors." There is a chance for something really awesome (new lunchbox, games, toys . . . Dollar Store delights), but there is also a chance for something stinky (cans of peas, used crayons . . . anything found in your desk that you don't want). Most of the time they will trade even though they know they might get stuck with something icky.
- Ask the remainder of the class attempt to answer on their white boards while they are at their seats. This keeps everyone working and allows time for you to reload the SECRET DOORS. If both players answer incorrectly then check with students in the audience. Sometimes, you can reward a correct answer from the crowd with a little treat if you choose.
- Your kids will truly love the "thrill of victory and the agony of defeat" with this fast-paced skills review format.
