No Series: Participation with Playing Cards

Participation with Playing Cards

Lesson Objective: Improve participation and class management with playing cards

All Grades / All Subjects / Participation

1 MIN

Discussion
Supporting Materials

Thought starters

What is required of the student if he or she cannot answer the question?
How can this idea shape class culture and take away the fear of not knowing the answer?
How might you use Mr. McCloud's unique way of holding students accountable for participating in positive ways?

29 Comments

Raven Groom May 30, 2018 1:50pm

Great idea! It gives a chance for participation to be random which in returns make sure that everyone is on task.

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Rebeccca Rozz Jan 17, 2017 4:22pm

I use Old Maid cards, minus the Old Maid. They are in pairs already and have funny names.

Recommended (1)

patricia palmer Jul 8, 2016 3:36pm

Great idea. I would shuffle periodically in front of the class and/or let a student draw a card from the stack so that it is totally random. Thanks for sharing.

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Victor Puente Jul 7, 2016 12:14am

This is perfect as a classroom agreement. I like how you explained that students don't have to know the answer, but they will need to explain where they are stuck! This really establishes a rhythm to students speaking up about where they struggle.

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Catherine Cheney Apr 29, 2016 12:04am

I think this is a great way to call on students without making a student feel singled out. I also think it is a great strategy to have students say where they are stuck rather than just saying "I don't know".

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Materials

Transcript: Participation with Playing Cards

External Resource Materials

Ideas for Student Participation

Transcripts

00:56: CHRIS MCCLOUD: Incorporating kids into the class who aren’t participating is, like, the number one thing. One of the

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00:56: CHRIS MCCLOUD: Incorporating kids into the class who aren’t participating is, like, the number one thing. One of the first things I think about when I’m planning a lesson. In my classroom, each seat has a playing card in front of it, taped to the desk in front of it. And I have those same exact cards in my hand up at the front.
01:15: CHRIS MCCLOUD [in class]: Your circumference and area calculation, this will be four of diamonds. Let’s go, Mr. Abulian [sp?].
01:22: CHRIS MCCLOUD: It’s okay if a student has their card called, and they don’t quite know the answer. They just can’t say, “I don’t know.” So they have to tell us where they’re stuck, and then we can get someone to help out if they need it. The reason I use playing cards, instead of just randomly say, “Jake! Answer the question” – that seems like I’m out to get them, like it’s a gotcha-moment. We all remember that, like, being called on and not knowing the answer, it’s one of the worst feelings.

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