Gameshow classroom: Comparing "The Big 5"

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💡 THE BIG IDEA 💡

👾 Gameshow Classroom: Comparing “The Big 5”

There are LOTS of ways to make learning a game. For decades, we’ve played Jeopardy games and games like “trashketball” (answer a question, shoot a ball in the trash can for extra points).

Online review games have taken it all to a new level.

These days, I always lean on “The Big 5” — my top online review games:

• Kahoot

• Quizizz

• Quizlet Live

• Gimkit

• Blooket

Each has its strengths, weaknesses, and unique features.

In today’s updated post, I share what I love (and don’t love) about each of the big five.

🎁 BONUS: Also in this post, you’ll find …

• 10 games like Kahoot! (for options beyond “The Big 5”

• 8 Google Slides game show templates (customizable Google Slides games)

• 14 ways to turn your class into a game show (tips from teachers!)

Read: Gameshow classroom: Comparing “The Big 5” online review games

🎯 QUICK TEACHING STRATEGY 🎯

Try “Mold and Tell” with aluminum foil

This activity is a fun and interactive way to engage students with both tech and no-tech elements! Using simple materials like pre-cut foil sheets or regular aluminum foil, students will mold and shape their foil into unique creations that represent our current lesson topic.

Students will then bring their foil masterpieces to life using Google Slides. By taking a picture with their webcam, they can add arrows, speech bubbles, and even use speaker notes to provide context and tell the story behind their creation.

This activity not only enhances understanding of the lesson but also encourages collaboration, as each student will have their own slide in a shared deck. It’s a fantastic way for students to express their ideas and learn from each other’s work.

💡Here’s how it works:

Materials Needed: Pre-cut foil sheets or regular aluminum foil (students can also use Play-Doh if you have it).

Activity Setup:

• Ask students to mold and shape the foil into something representative of the lesson topic.

Using Google Slides:

• Have students open Google Slides.

• Go to Insert > Image > Camera to take a picture of their foil creation using their webcam.

Adding Details:

• Use shapes to add arrows and speech bubbles to identify parts of the creation and describe what it is thinking or saying.

• Use speaker notes for additional context and explanations.

Collaboration:

• Have all students work in the same slide deck, with each student getting their own slide to showcase their creation.

Links and resources:

🎥 Watch my video on how to do this activity

🔗 Collaborative Slides tutorial

👋 How we can help

There are even more ways I can support you in the important work you do in education:

1. Read one of my six books about meaningful teaching with tech.

2. Take one of our online courses about practical and popular topics in education.

3. Bring me to your school, district or event to speak. I love working with educators!