Engaging middle school students in review activities can sometimes feel like a daunting task, especially when faced with the challenge of preparing them for THE BIG STATE TEST 😬 Fortunately, there’s a powerful tool in every teacher’s arsenal: multiple-choice review games. These games not only make reviewing content more enjoyable but also encourage critical thinking and active participation among students. Here are seven exciting multiple-choice review game ideas tailored specifically for middle school classrooms, designed to energize your review sessions and boost student comprehension.
This isn’t an exhaustive list, but these are the review games that I regularly enjoy with my 8th graders. I have an average class of 28 and prefer to split the students up into groups of 4 for these games, but your mileage may vary! You can split your classroom up into two teams, into pairs, etc. Feel free to modify as you see fit!
Connect Four
To prepare for this game, I draw an 11 by 9 grid on my white board. I split my students up into groups of 4, and ensure that I have different colored sticky notes for each group. I project the slideshow onto the board, and make sure that each student has a copy of the passages only (this way they can’t work ahead).
To begin the game, I have each group go one at a time. For the first round, Group #1 will attempt question #1. If they get it correctly, then they get to place their sticky note somewhere on the grid.
If they get it incorrectly, they don’t get to place a sticky note, and the next group gets to attempt the question. For each round after the first, if a group gets a question correctly, they now get the chance to either place their own sticky note OR remove another group’s sticky note.
Play will continue either until a group wins by getting four in a row OR all of the exam questions are exhausted – in this case, the group with the most sticky notes on the board wins!
Trasketball
To prepare for this game, I split my students up into groups of 4. I make sure I set up a trash can with lines on the floor indicating a 1-point line, a 3-point line, and a 5-point line. I have each group to ball up at least 5 piece of scratch paper to begin with. I project the slideshow onto the board, and make sure that each student has a copy of the passages only (this way they can’t work ahead).
To begin the game, I have each group go one at a time. Group #1 will attempt question #1. If they get it correctly, then they get to try to shoot a paper ball into the trash can from a point line of their choice. I keep score on the white board. If they get it incorrectly, they don’t get to shoot a paper ball, and the next group gets to attempt the question.
Play will continue until all of the exam questions are exhausted. The group with the most points wins!
Four Corners
Place large signs labeled A, B, C, and D in each corner of the classroom. Ask a multiple choice question, and students move to the corner that corresponds to their chosen answer. This game gets students physically engaged while reviewing. Have students keep their own score, or you could print out a roster and check off the students that earn points for each question.
Stand Up, Sit Down
Have students stand up at their desks. Ask a multiple choice question, and students sit down if they think the answer is A, remain standing if they think it’s B, jump if they think it’s C, or clap if they think it’s D. It’s a quick and energetic way to review. Have students keep their own score, or you could print out a roster and check off the students that earn points for each question.
Human Tic-Tac-Toe
Similar to the instructions to Connect 4, divide the class into groups of four. Ask a multiple choice question to a student from one team. If they answer correctly, they get to place their team’s symbol (X or O) in the corresponding grid space. The first team to get three in a row wins.
Balloon Pop
This one requires a lot of prep, but is highly engaging! Print the full practice exam and cut out all the questions only. Make sure each student has a copy of the passages. Place the questions inside balloons. Divide the class into groups of four, and each team takes turns popping a balloon. The team must answer the question inside the balloon to earn a point. This game adds an element of excitement and anticipation.
Board Race
Divide the class into teams and give each team a whiteboard or a large sheet of paper. Ask a multiple choice question, and have one member from each team race to write down the correct answer. The first team to hold up the correct answer gets a point.
Practice Exam Questions
If you have to administer the SBAC test in your state (it’s CAASPP in mine, California), consider using my practice exam! It’s perfect for any of the review games listed above. Have students dive into a 20-question practice exam, complete with listening questions, to hone their skills.
Use the handy slideshow version for effortless classroom engagement. This resource is flexible, so you can make your review as straightforward or as competitive as you like!
How do you review for a big exam in your class? Let me know your tried-and-true ideas in the comments!
Stacey
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