15 Classroom Games with a Random Picker, Dice and Wheels

Random tools are some of the simplest classroom helpers there are. A spinning wheel or a rolled die adds a bit of suspense, takes decisions out of the teacher's hands so nobody feels picked on, and gets quiet students talking. Here are 15 games and routines that use free online tools you can put on the board in seconds, with no sign-up.

1. Cold-call warm-up

Ask a review question, give ten seconds of thinking time, then spin the name picker. Remove each name after it is picked so everyone gets a turn before anyone goes twice. Tool: Name picker.

2. Spin the topic

Put this week's topics or vocabulary words on the picker wheel. The student who is picked explains whatever the wheel lands on in thirty seconds. Tool: Picker wheel.

3. Dice review race

Number six question types (definition, example, drawing, spelling, sentence, quiz). Each team rolls a die and answers the matching type. Two dice and a sum chart turn it into a maths lesson too. Tool: Dice roller.

4. Number line hop

Generate a number between 1 and 100 on the board. Students place it on a number line, round it, or say if it is odd, even or prime. Change the range for older classes. Tool: Random number generator.

5. Mystery multiplier

Generate two numbers from 1 to 12 with no repeats and the class races to multiply them. Keep score of correct answers, not speed, so slower students stay in. Tool: Random number generator.

6. Rock paper scissors tournament

A two-minute brain break: students pair up, the winner moves on, the loser becomes the winner's cheerleader, until two long lines of cheering classmates meet in the final. Use the online game to settle ties. Tool: Rock paper scissors.

7. Probability lab

Each pair flips 20 times and records heads and tails. Combine the class results on the board and watch the total move towards 50%. Afterwards, read our article on coin flip odds together. Tool: Coin flip.

8. Would you rather debate

Read a would you rather question, students move to one side of the room, then the name picker chooses who argues for each side. Tool: Name picker.

9. Kids truth or dare (classroom version)

Use only the Kids mode and only truths for a get-to-know-you lesson. Students can always pass. Tool: Truth or dare.

10. Team captain picker

Pick team captains at random so it is never the same popular students, then let captains pick by rotating turns, or let the picker build teams directly. Tool: Name picker.

11. Story dice

Assign a character, a place and a problem to each number. Roll three dice and students write a short story using the three results. Tool: Dice roller.

12. Yes or no quick check

For a fun break, let the button decide small things: "Do we read the next chapter outside?" Students love a decision they did not make. Tool: Yes or No Button.

13. Spelling bee order

Generate the full order of the class with no repeats, so the spelling bee or presentation order is fair and nobody can complain. Tool: Random number generator.

14. Homework roulette

Put two or three homework options on the wheel and let it choose one for the whole class. It turns a small choice into a moment of suspense. Tool: Picker wheel.

15. Exit ticket draw

At the end of the lesson, pick three names to share one thing they learned. Everyone writes an answer first, so nobody is caught unprepared. Tool: Name picker.

Tips for using random tools in class

• Show the tool on the projector, so students can see the choice is fair.
• Always give thinking time before a random pick, and allow a pass.
• Remove names after they are picked, so everyone gets a turn.
• Keep random picking for low-stakes moments, not for tests in front of the class.

For more on fair cold calling, read how to pick a random student fairly.

FAQ

What are good classroom games with a random name picker?

Cold-call warm-ups, team captain picks, would you rather debates and exit ticket draws all work well, because the picker makes the choice fair and visible.

Are these tools free for teachers?

Yes. All the tools linked here are free, need no account and work on a projector, laptop or phone.

How do I stop the same student being picked again?

Use the remove option on the name picker, or the no repeats option on the random number generator, so everyone gets a turn first.

Can I use dice games online in class?

Yes. The online dice roller rolls 1 to 6 dice and shows the total, which works for review games, story dice and probability lessons.