Stand Up-Hand Up-Pair Up

What is Stand Up-Hand Up-Pair Up?

Stand Up–Hand Up–Pair Up is an energetic, movement-based Kagan structure that gets students out of their seats and interacting with a variety of classmates. It's perfect for quick reviews, getting-to-know-you activities, or sharing ideas in a fun, social way.

Key Features:

• Movement + interaction = higher engagement
  
  

• Builds community and classroom culture
  
  

• Students work with many different peers
  
  

• Easy to use with any content area

How It Works:

1. Stand Up – All students stand up.
   
   

2. Hand Up – Students raise one hand in the air to show they’re looking for a partner.
   
   

3. Pair Up – Students walk around the room and high-five someone else with a hand up, then pair off.
   
   

4. The teacher gives a prompt or question, and partners take turns sharing.
   
   

5. After sharing, students thank each other, then repeat the process with a new partner.

Variations:

• Timed sharing or Turn-and-Talk after pairing
  
  

• Add a recording sheet for academic tasks
  
  

• Use music to signal when to find a new partner

Great For: 

• Icebreakers or team-building
  
  

• Vocabulary review or math facts
  
  

• Reflecting on learning
  
  

• Energizing a sleepy class!