Going down the register is predictable, and picking by feel can look unfair. A random race fixes both, and it lifts the mood in the room.
Prepare the list
- Open Animal Race on the computer connected to the classroom projector or TV.
- Paste your names into the “Names” box, one per line. Each race takes up to 60 names.
- The list is saved in the browser, so it is still there next lesson.
If two students share a name, add an initial, for example “Sam N.” and “Sam T.”.
Run the race
- Pick an animal. “Mix all four” gives each student a different species, and “Venomous snakes” tends to be the class favourite.
- Pick a race length. Ten seconds suits a quick pick, thirty seconds gives the class time to cheer.
- Press “Full screen” so the track fills the projector.
- Press “Start race”. The first animal across the line is the student picked.
Make sure nobody is picked twice
Tick “Remove the winner from the next race”. After each race the winner leaves the list, so by the end of the lesson every student has been picked exactly once.
Press “Shuffle names” before a race if you want the lanes to change. It does not change anyone’s chances, because every racer already has the same chance.
Other classroom uses
- Choosing who solves a problem at the board.
- Choosing which group presents first: enter group names instead of student names.
- Choosing who hands out the books.