Embedded Files
Part of a goal I had set for myself in the 24-25 school year was to do more student led activities. That can be tough when you have 60-70 kids at a time. So I decided to do a Create Your Own Game unit with my 5th graders! I told the kids if they came up with a really great game that I would add it to my Google Site!
It was a big hit and I plan on doing this from now on! I am putting the documents I created for the unit and I also am posting the Google Slide Deck of the games that I felt were the most successful.
List of Student Created Games that were approved by me for my Google Site. (I only picked one game this year. I am sure next year it will be more.)
My process of pulling this together.
Step One- Who do they want to work with?
They filled out a Google Form and picked 3 classmates they wanted to work with. I looked at their responses and created their groups accordingly. I figured they would be able to come up with good ideas if they were in groups of people they wanted to work with.
It took a while to sort through their responses, but I felt it was worth it.
Step Three- Conference and Planning with Me
I felt this was a really important step. My conference period falls during their lunch time, so I would pull a group to an empty lunch table and we’d discuss their game. As a PE teacher, I’m usually able to spot gaps or potential challenges in their game plan and help them work through those issues. I also make sure we have all the necessary equipment for them to explain, answer questions, and start the game in a reasonable time frame.
For example, some students came up with a game called “Bucket Ball” and I suggested using a score sheet. I created one, shared it with them, and they gave it their approval.
I don’t think it works well to just throw students in front of their peers to teach a game without any planning. We always talk through the teaching process such as who’s comfortable speaking, who might be more hesitant, and how to divide the roles so everyone feels confident.
Step Four- Try It Out!
The group presents their game to the class. The class asks questions. I can ask questions to help initiate more discussion if needed, but I really want kids to lead and kids to ask questions.
Learning how to play "Hatch."
Step Five- Questions and Comments
I speak to the kids about what constructive criticism is and how we can nicely tell our peers what was working and wasn't working and to give suggestions to improve their game.
Our kiddos were GREAT about speaking politely and kindly to their peers and the members of the groups were receptive to their ideas.
Step Six- Final Drafts
I told the kids I am being pretty particular on whose game was going to be published on this site. It needed to be something special. So for the first ever try, I picked only one game.
Page updated
Report abuse