Wednesday, April 21, 2021

ZAP! Best Review Game Ever!


ZAP! The BEST review game ever! It is super old...I have been using it since literally 2012, which really only adds to its street cred! It is definitely a classic! 

5 REASONS I LOVE ZAP!

1. ZAP! is easy and cheap to create.


The first set of ZAP! cards I made was with library card pockets that I had left over with handwritten index cards inside. I gifted that well used set to a math teacher when I became a coach and needed a new set. I had only one library pocket left, so I made a template from it and used cardstock to create my own. You are welcome to use my template found at the end of the post. Either way, cheap and easy! 

2. ZAP! is almost zero prep.


You just need questions! I have found that 16 is a good number as far as time and interest go. I usually take a blah worksheet or grab practice problems from online to get questions. You can project those or I have even just written them on big paper and held them up. I included a couple of sets for you at the end of this post. EASY prep!

3. ZAP! keeps kids doing math to the very last question! 


Once a team answers the question correctly, they earn 1 point for their team and then draw a card. The cards are all different things like +2 for your team, -3 for your team, switch scores with the other team, and then ZAP! which takes away all points! The cards keep the score going back and forth with the chance of losing all your points. So students work until the very last question because it always comes down to the last card to decide a winner!

4. ZAP! keeps the fastest and most proficient teams from always winning.


I know you have played review games where the fastest thinkers always win and it is not fun for everyone. With ZAP!, there is space for everyone to have a chance. ZAP! is played in teams but EVERY team member has to work the problem. After everyone works it, they chat to come to a consensus before giving the answer. The other team can steal, but they are required to give the answer immediately so they are working at the same time. Every student happily working problems is the best thing!

5. ZAP! creates so much excitement and fun for math!


Drawing the cards is the best part! They are so scared because it could be great or bad for their team's points. They close their eyes and point, they choose based on color, they argue over which one to choose. I have even had kids put their heads on the board to listen for the good one! It is the best!


ZAP! can be used in any content area. I have tried it in ELA and Science and it was a blast with that content as well. I would recommend it for reviewing so that the game stays at a fast pace. Below are a few examples of problem sets I have used. I hope you will try this classic and let me know how it goes! 


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