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Teaching and Tapas

| by Alyssha Swanson

Blurt Chart+Minute to Win It Fridays

by alyssha@teachingandtapas.com

I teach in Spain. Spaniards talk A LOT. I am dealing with a serious level of blurting out! Something had to give, so I created the perfect combination of a blurt chart with a Friday game of minute to win it. Here is how I do it…

 


 

I want to emphasize that this is VERY different than the olden-style writing a name on the board for a punishment. With a playful attitude and a kindly “oops” reminder, it really stays pretty sweet and is not meant to make anyone feel bad. Usually, the student covers their smile with their hand as they catch themselves.

 

Each year I make the first game of Minute to Win It irresistibly fun. One of my favorites is giving them a cookie that they put on their forehead and have to scoot down to their mouth using only gravity and facial muscles. No hands!

One note: The cookie example is not a typical minute to win it game for me because it is a big edible prize. I ALWAYS stick to skittles. One skittle if they made it through the week and were able to participate in the game and one skittle if they were able to “win” the game. Simple. Easy. Maximum of two small pieces of candy. No-food schools could use stickers as an alternative.

 

I NEVER tell the kids what the upcoming game will be for the week. When they get chatty and we are really needing to reel things back in, I come up with a really fun, new game. But often I just think of a game a few minutes before we play. Here are a few ideas to help get you started…

 

 

So there you have it! Are you ready to try to combine a blurt chart with a minute to win it Friday?

 

(FREE) Game for Mastering Math Facts!
My latest baby!

MEET ALYSSHA

I am a reading teacher and traveler at heart. I spent most of my teaching career abroad, teaching in international schools (most recently: Spain). I am now back in the good 'ol USA, helping teachers figure out how to make reading instruction simple and fantastically effective. Take a peek around and contact me if you have questions! Read More…

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