The Dice Game: The Easiest Way to Turn a Worksheet into a Game

As much as we hate worksheets, and prefer to call them handouts, there are, on rare occasions, times when we may find it necessary for whatever reason to give students "worksheets."

Well, when you do, know that there is still a way to engage students in the process no matter what content you teach. I learned the following activity at the Ron Clark Academy from a social studies teacher there. It's very simple (particularly if you have even numbers).

Each student needs a partner.  Student desks should be cleared of everything except the "worksheet," which should be face down until the game has begun.  One student in the pair also needs a pencil. The other needs a die. The goal of the student with the pencil is to quickly and accurately fill out the "worksheet." The goal of the students with the dice is keep rolling until they roll a six. When they do, they should say, or yell, "Six!" At this time, the partners trade the pencil and the die and switch roles (no pun intended). Each individual should have their own handout to complete. There shouldn't need to be any talking except for when a six is rolled.

You can play until you have an individual winner who has completed the "worksheet," or you could end the game right when someone is about to win.

This game can be played with multiplication tables, maps, periodic table, study guides, recall questions, etc...I'm sure there are plenty of other ways to use this game in your classroom...

NOTE: If you have an odd number of students, you can form a group of three. Give two students pencils and one a dice.

My wife uses this game in her math class, but calls it Seis. Obviously, she has her students call out "seis" instead of "six" when they roll a six. I am much less creative in the game name department--so, it's called The Dice Game in my room.  In any case, it's a great way to keep kids engaged while avoiding the mundane "worksheet".  You will also find that the work gets done much more quickly than it would have otherwise.