Two truths and a lie
To review prior learning pupils have to identify from three statements which is the lie, easy to get quick feedback by indicating A, B, or C which is the lie and why.
True or false
A set of statement or facts is listed, either on the board or using cards. Pupils indicate if they are correct or incorrect (using red/green cards) and should be expected to say why.
Topic Tennis
In threes pupils play a word association game. Select a topic and see who can come up with as many related, different points to win the game, score like in tennis. In the teams there should be 2 players and one referee.
Think, pair, share
On mini-white boards or post its, pupils have 1 minute on their own to write down two things learnt (last lesson or this lesson). Then in pairs, they have 1 minute to make it 4 things. Then two pairs combine and have to make it 8 things. This could also be used to generate ideas …
Taboo
Pupils choose a card from a bag that contains a term they have learnt in the lesson (it might also have other associated words that they cannot use). They must describe this term to the class or their partner, without using the word itself. The class/partner must write down what they think it is on …
Scrabble tile
Pupils have to make as many words they can related to a topic using scrabble tiles. Then calculate how many points each word is worth! They can’t repeat letters- they can only use what is shown!
Scattergories
In teams, give pupils a letter and some categories of things to come up with that begin with that letter. If they think of an answer no one else has they get points (5 per word).
Press conference/Hot seat
Hold a ‘press conference’ where pupils interview either the teacher or another child about their knowledge on the new topic for 1 minute.
Positive Negative Interesting (PNI)
Pose a statement/question to the children. Get them to think creatively in response to an ‘out of the box’ question and are encouraged to think of more than one perspective i.e. what are all the positive, negative and interesting impacts of that question.
Odd one out
Give pupils a set of 3 or 4 statements or images. They must prepare to say which the odd one is out and why. Can be a challenging starter, and quick to engage all if they respond with A-D cards.