Scoot games are an engaging and fun way to keep students active and on-task in the classroom but before you start your first game, it’s important to teach your students how to play scoot games. Scoot games provide opportunities for your students to practice skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. The rules of scoot are simple: each student moves around the room from station to station completing tasks or answering questions before the timer runs out.
Scoot games should be designed to meet the learning objectives of your classroom and can include activities like math problems, reading comprehension, or spelling questions.
After teaching your students how to play scoot games, use my free scoot game to practice the expectations! Free Addition Scoot Game!
When teaching students how to play a scoot game for your classroom, it’s important to consider the following:
1. Safety:
Establish rules that ensure students remain safe while playing. This includes having students remain in their designated area and closely supervising them at all times to ensure that no one is running or pushing other students.
Script for Safety:
“Hello everyone! Before we begin playing our scoot game, it’s important to establish some safety rules. First of all, each student must remain in their designated area at all times. We need to walk between each station: no running or pushing other students is allowed while playing the game. If you are running or pushing, you will need to take a break from the activity. Additionally, you need to stay at your assigned spot until it’s time to switch stations.I will be supervising you closely throughout the game to make sure that everyone is following the rules and staying safe. Are there any questions about these safety rules before we begin?”
2. Task Stations:
Set up the game with task stations located around the classroom, making sure that each station has a clearly labeled challenge card or activity for each student to complete.
Script for Task Stations:
“Now that we have gone over the safety rules, let’s talk a bit about the task stations. You will find a task card or activity at each station. Your job is to complete the challenge or answer the questions on your task card before you switch to the next station. It is important to stay focused and stay on task at each station. You will have a limited amount of time to complete the challenge or answer the questions, so work quickly and carefully. Make sure you keep track of your progress while completing the tasks. When it’s time to switch stations, take note of how far you’ve gotten with each task.”
3. Timer:
Determine how long you want each student to have at their station before they move to the next one. Make sure that this timer is clearly visible for everyone to see so everyone can stay on task and focused on completing the scoot challenge.
Script for Timer:
“Now that you know what to do at each station, let’s talk about the timer. The timer will indicate how much time each student has to complete the challenges or answer questions at their station before it’s time to move on to the next one. The timer will be clearly visible, so everyone can keep track of how much time is left. Make sure you stay focused and work quickly to complete the tasks before the timer runs out.
4. Rules & Expectations:
Review all rules and expectations with students before beginning the game. This includes making sure that all students know when to move from one station to the next and how to properly complete the tasks at each station.
Script for Rules & Expectations:
“Now that we have gone over safety rules, task stations, and the timer, let’s talk about the overall rules and expectations of this scoot game. First of all, make sure you stay on task at each station. This means completing all challenges or answering all questions before it’s time to move on. Be sure to keep track of your progress as you work through each station. Second, pay close attention to the timer so you know when it’s time to switch stations. When the timer goes off, make sure you quickly and quietly move to the next station in line. Finally, remember all of the safety rules we discussed before starting the game. No running or pushing other students, stay in your designated area, and follow any other guidelines that I have laid out for you.”
5. What to do When You’re Done:
Explain to students what they should do after completing all of the tasks at each station. This can include taking a break, raising their hand for assistance or simply beginning again from the first station if needed.
Script for What to do When You’re Done:
“Once you have completed all of the tasks at each station, there are a few options on what to do next. Depending on how much time is left, you can take a short break and stretch your legs before starting again from the beginning or continuing where you left off. If you have any questions about the tasks or need help with anything, feel free to raise your hand and I will come to assist you. Finally, if there is still time left in the game after completing all of the tasks, you can start again at the first station and work through each station a second time. This is a great way to review and practice the skills you’ve learned in this game.”
By following these steps, you can help create an enjoyable and educational scoot game experience that will keep your students engaged and motivated throughout the lesson.
Grab this free scoot game to help teach your students how to play scoot games!
Get access to my ENTIRE library of 3rd-5th grade lessons and activities – including every single new resource that I publish.
Make sure you pin this lesson plan to Pinterest so other teachers can find it too!
