Math can often feel intimidating or boring to students, but it doesn’t have to be. Cathy Yenca, a Kahoot! Ambassador and passionate middle school teacher from Austin, TX, has found a creative way to bring excitement and engagement to her math lessons. Introducing a game before the Kahoot! lesson begins, students spin a wheel of fortune to decide which game mode to choose for the kahoot.  Whether it lands on Robot Run or Tallest Tower it is in the fate of the wheel which creates excitement and anticipation before the kahoot game begins.  By using a Kahoot!-ified “Wheel of Games,” she’s turned transition times and game mode selections into interactive and inclusive experiences that inspire student autonomy and cross-curricular learning. Here’s how you can implement this innovative approach in your classroom.

The origin story

Cathy’s journey began with a simple observation: the traditional approach to choosing game modes– student-centered, interactive games with individualized and self-paced questions and sequencing –  was becoming repetitive and wasn’t fully engaging her students. She wanted to find a way to let students play different formats without always relying on the teacher’s choice and thereby creating a more student-led classroom. Therefore she made a digital spin the wheel with game modes based on the “Wheel of Names” – a free online resource – into a “Wheel of Games”, adding an element of surprise and excitement to the classroom.

Activating an audience

The “Wheel of Games” is more than just a tool for random selection; it’s a way to activate your audience and give students a sense of autonomy in the classroom. Here’s how:

• Transition Time: Use the wheel during transition periods, as students filed into the room after a class change or between instructional periods, to keep students focused and engaged. This not only minimizes downtime but also prepares them for the next activity with a positive mindset
• All In This Together: By allowing different students to spin the wheel, you give everyone a chance to have their voice heard and to take on a leadership role. It’s a simple way to promote inclusivity and teamwork.
• Incentivizing Learning: The anticipation of which game mode will be picked next keeps students motivated and excited about learning. It’s a fun way to break the monotony and encourage participation.

Cross-curricular components

While the “Wheel of Names” tool functions as a transition tool and procedure, Cathy’s genius innovation actually helps to transgress and transfer academic learning beyond that of the function itself! Adding on to the Wheel of Names selection, encourage students to explore the following supplemental and camouflage learning:

• Math Topics: Keeping a tally of which game modes are played allows students to apply math concepts like probability and estimation. This can lead to creating story problems or math sequences based on the wheel’s outcomes.
• Print-Rich Experience: Using keywords and pictures on the wheel makes it a print-rich experience that enhances literacy skills. Students can also use sentence stems to make predictions, fostering critical thinking and language development.

Engaging the community:

This tool offers a non-assessment related way to engage with your students and develop camaraderie. Here’s how Cathy uses it to build community:

• Preferences and Choices: Students can weigh in on their preferences and choices, which fosters a sense of belonging and respect for diverse opinions.
• Routine and Familiarity: Spinning the wheel creates a routine that students can look forward to, making them more comfortable and familiar with the classroom dynamics. This is especially helpful before a challenging task or high-entry experience.

Ready to bring this strategy to your classroom? Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the “Wheel of Names” Website: Access this free resource online.
2. Add Game Mode Options: Input your game mode options into the wheel, using names, keywords, or titles that your students will recognize.
   
3. Set Rules and Norms: Determine how you’ll use the wheel—will it be the last one standing, or the first one picked? Establish these rules with your students to ensure fairness and consistency.
4. Invite Students to Spin: Allow students to take turns spinning the wheel to select the next game mode, fostering excitement and anticipation.

Cathy’s use of the “Wheel of Names” is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation in the classroom. By incorporating this tool into your teaching strategy, you can make learning more interactive, inclusive, and enjoyable for your students. So why wait? Give the “Wheel of Names” a spin and watch your classroom transform! Unlock all Kahoot! Game mode experiences by upgrading to Kahoot!+ Max with this back-to-school offer, now over 20%!