September 8, 2025

I've recently gotten a lot of questions about how to filter and sort classes/sections in Canvas. The interface has changed a little bit, and the method for getting to see just ONE class has changed slightly. I have created a video tutorial for your viewing pleasure and grading assistance.

Guys, I bought us a new book about classroom engagement and fun activities to so with students! I'll be adding these to the rotation of offline strategies to fit any classroom! Here's the first one!

This is the book 👇

Amazon LInk

Objective:

This exciting strategy encourages quick thinking and reflexes and teamwork. This activity aims to inject energy into a class, build relationships, and establish a community atmosphere. Academic twists to the game can make an everyday lesson come to life!

Materials:

Color markers (Blue, green, red, for each group, or other colors, as long as they are consistent across groups)
- - Substitute markers for cards with terms, answers to questions, or problems to solve to incorporate content
Space in the classroom for students to move. Typically, tables or desks are put together

Activity Overview:

Inspired by the well-known children, song, "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes," but with an added twist involving colors and a point system. Students respond to commands, called out by the teacher, by touching their head, shoulders, or knees and then quickly grabbing the color marker called out. An example, "Head, shoulders, head, head, shoulders, knees, knees, BLUE!" This activity gets students moving, laughing, and engaging with each other, making it an excellent choice for a warm-up, brain break, or relationship-building exercise at the start of the year or after a holiday break.

Setup Instructions:

Divide students into pairs or small groups, providing each group with a set of three-color markers. Add colors depending on your group sizing and student age
Ensure there is enough space for each group to stand in a circle around the desks with the markers without being too close to others, to prevent collisions.

Rules of the game:

The teacher calls out, head, shoulders, or knees, and students must touch the corresponding body part
The teacher will quickly switch between calling out body parts to keep students alert.
Without warning, the teacher will shout a color (e.g., "BLUE!")
The first student to grab the marker of the called color earns a point.
Play continues 5-15 minutes, or as time allows
Keep a tally of points earned by each group

Game variations:

Solo practice where each student has a set of markers and loses points if they grab the wrong color
Larger groups of 4-5 to increase difficulty
Adding more colors to increase difficulty
Integrate subject-related terms, content, answers, questions, etc. Instead of markers, students must grab note cards instead, which can contain key terms, answers to questions, or questions to solve for points.
Solo practice where each student has the same set of cards with terms, content, answers, questions, etc.

RPReplay_Final1756934720.MP4

👀 Watch the author's TikTok about this strategy!!

Follow him on Instagram or TikTok @mr_alsheimer

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