Light Lift

See how it works

At a glance

Time in class

5 minutes, once a week

Prep

None

Materials

None

Grouping

Whole class or small groups

Use it when

Early in the year, after a break, or when the room feels tense

Why it works

Students try hard problems and share half-formed ideas only when they feel safe with the people around them. Short, playful moments build that trust quickly and cost very little class time.

1. Pick a game10 secondsUse one of the two below.
2. Explain in one line30 seconds
3. Play4 minutesKeep it fast. Laugh with them.
4. Stop on time10 seconds“Great energy. Bring it into today’s work.”

   A student says three statements about themselves; two are true. The class guesses the lie. Say: “Tell us three things about you. Two true, one made up. We’ll guess the fake.”

   Read a choice. Students point to one side of the room or show A/B fingers, and one or two explain why. Say: “Would you rather be able to fly or be invisible? Point left for fly, right for invisible.”

See it in action

Watch out for

• Games that drag: five minutes, then stop.
• Personal questions: keep prompts light; never require a student to share.
• The same volunteers: rotate who goes first.

Level up

• Students take turns running the game and writing the prompts.
• Make the prompts about today’s content.

Make it work for everyone

• Multilingual learners: Would You Rather works with pointing and pictures.
• IEP and 504 supports: let students pass or write their statements instead of saying them.

Tech option

Show the Would You Rather choice with two pictures on a slide.

Resources