Heads-up: a favorite interactive game

February 10, 2019

Do not get me wrong. I love our digital games. We have a blast on the regular in class using Kahoot, Quizlet Live, Quizziz...all of them. However, games where the kids have to actually converse, speak to each other -- put down their phones and interact -- those have a special place in our hearts. And heads-up is an all time favorite, hence why you will find a set of heads-up cards in each of your units. This is a really great opportunity to pair them up with different people than those that they normally work with, especially as they are getting to know each other.

Here's how to play:

STEP 1 - Before class: Create decks of cards by printing the page from your MesaMima unit (preferably on card stock) and cutting them apart. You will need enough decks for your students to be in groups of four. So, my 3rd period class has 36 kids, so I make 9 sheets (you're welcome, mathmaticians). If your prinicpal wasn't kind enough to fill your class with perfect game playing numbers, a group of three will work just fine...have one student hold the card up and the TWO take turns explaining the card (see step 3) Extra tip: I use 9 different colors of card stock to do this, so when, inevitably, one card is dropped on the floor, I can quickly find its home.

STEP 2 - Hand out a deck to each group of four. Among the groups of four, there should be two pairs competing against each other. One pair takes the deck to begin.

STEP 3 - One student picks up a card and puts it against their forehead without looking at the word. The other student must use circumlocution to elicit the word. If the student guesses it correctly, they keep the card to remember their points. In 30 seconds, the objective is to keep as many cards as possible.

STEP 4 - ROUND 2 For the next round, Pair A gives the deck to Pair B, and repeat the process of holding up the card using circumlocution (aka explaining) and keeping the card if it’s correct for another 30 seconds.

To time, use a stop watch or set a timer on your phone for 30 seconds. You will want a bell or other clue to let your students know that the round is over. I turn the lights off three times, which has proven to be the most effective with 36 loud game players.

Note: if a student don’t know the word, can't describe it or the pair can't seem to guess it, either student can say pasa/salta and skip the word. Skipped cards or incorrect answers go back in the deck, which will make guessing those much easier on the next round!

STEP 5 - Repeat the rounds 6 to 8 times, ensuring that each group has had an equal number of rounds. Then, have students tally the number of correct cards (which they kept) to determine the winner.

Last thing...sure, cutting the cards can be tedious, but if you find a way to organize all of your games like this together, they are ready to go for next year! Now, go and download the app for tons of fun with your own family and friends!