Crazy 8s
The four 8's in a standard deck of cards (©Mylène Gamache-Tremblay. Used with permission)
The four 8's in a standard deck of cards (©Mylène Gamache-Tremblay. Used with permission)
Format
How does this align with my curriculum?
PE
5
Integrated Curriculum Grade 5: Science (Draft 2023)
IS 1.4: Collaborating with others effectively can help us to share meaningful explorations in impactful ways.
PE
6
Integrated Curriculum Grade 6: Science (Draft 2023)
IS 1.4: Collaborating with others effectively can help us to share meaningful explorations in impactful ways.
This strategy helps students to brainstorm ideas as a group.
Why Use It?
- To push students beyond their first idea and to generate a wide variety of solutions.
- To make decisions collaboratively and develop consensus building skills.
Tips For Success
- Model how to fold the paper for younger students or use a print-out with panels already drawn on the sheet.
How do I use it?
- Students fold a blank sheet of paper in half three times to create eight panels.
- Set a timer for 40 seconds. Students sketch one idea in one panel. Wait 20 seconds, then repeat the process until all panels are full.
- In small groups, give students three minutes each to talk through their ideas and answer any questions.
- Provide each group five minutes to collectively choose the three most compelling ideas by voting.
Variations
- Increase the time periods allotted for sketching and discussion.
- Reduce the number of panels (e.g., Fold the paper in 4 sections instead of 8).
- In a virtual classroom, students could sketch their designs on paper at home and show them on camera to class during video conferencing or use a virtual drawing tool like Kleki.
Extensions
- To reach a whole class consensus, ask each group to decide on one idea then have a spokesperson for each group pitch the idea to the class. After all groups have presented their ideas, the whole class votes to choose the most compelling one.
Using this Strategy
Crazy 8s Reproducible Template [Google Docs] [PDF]
Student Sample [Google Doc]
Create Your Own
Crazy 8s Reproducible Template [Google Docs] [PDF]
Student Sample
Student Sample [Google Doc]