Is “Heads Up, Seven Up” educational? It is the way I play it! Before I explain how I tweaked the game to make it educational, let me make sure you know what I’m talking about. In case you don’t know how to play Heads Up Seven Up, let me give you a quick overview. Seven students are selected to stand at the front of the room while the rest of the class puts their heads down on their desks. The seven students silently go around the room tapping one person each. When a kid gets tapped, they have to put up their hands so that they won’t get tapped by anyone else. Once all seven have tapped another, they go back to stand at the front of the room. All students put their heads up and those that were tapped stand up. Any that were tapped get a chance to guess who tapped them. If they guess correctly, they get to switch places with that person for the next round of the game. Play continues in this manner until you decide time is up. 
I have played the game exactly this way and considered it educational when my class is learning each others’ names. To make it even more educational, I use it as math fact practice, vocabulary or spelling practice, or even as a unit review. All I do is make each kiddo answer a question, spell a word, do a flashcards, etc. before they are allowed to guess who tapped them. If they get the answer incorrect, they don’t get to guess. The kids love playing this and it takes no time to set up! Easy-Peasy and full of educational value! Both are great qualities for school.
What games do you play in the classroom? I’d love to have some new new to add to my repertoire. Visit me on Facebook and my TeachersPayTeachers store for more teaching tips! 🙂 Be sure to check out more ideas below!
