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Writer's pictureRachel Vassanthan

Trick or Treat: A Dynamic Classroom Review Game for All Ages

"Trick or Treat" is an engaging and versatile classroom review game designed to cater to students of all age levels and across various subjects. This innovative game combines elements of skill, chance, and strategy, making learning both fun and competitive. Here's an in-depth look at how the game works and why it is an excellent tool for educators.

A group of students in a classroom, some sitting and some standing, engaged in an activity. The students are wearing white polo shirts with the "Astor" logo. The classroom has colorful decorations, including a bulletin board with various notes and drawings, a clock, and an "Exit" sign above the door. One student is speaking while holding a green object, with other students listening attentively or appearing thoughtful.

Game Setup and Rules


"Trick or Treat" is played with a suction ball and a game board divided into grids, each with different point values. The grids can contain positive points, negative points, or special instructions such as 'miss a turn' or 'blindfold a player'. 


Students are divided into groups, fostering teamwork and collaborative problem-solving. The game begins with the teacher posing a review question related to the subject matter. Groups discuss and provide their answers. If a group answers correctly, they earn the opportunity to throw the suction ball onto the game board.


A collage of students from Astor International School, each shown with different expressions of concentration and engagement. The top row features three students with hands clasped or covering their faces, appearing focused or thoughtful. The center image shows a student smiling with hands clasped in front. The bottom row includes three students: two smiling with hands near their faces, and one with a contemplative expression and hand partially covering their mouth. All students are wearing white polo shirts with the "Astor" logo.

Scoring and Strategy


The game board is where the excitement ramps up. Each grid on the board has a designated point value, which can be positive or negative. When a group successfully lands the suction ball on a grid, they then play a round of "heads or tails" to determine the fate of the points.


- Heads: The points (positive or negative) are applied to the group that threw the ball.

- Tails: The points are applied to another group of the throwing group's choice.


This twist introduces an element of strategy and suspense. For instance, if a group lands on a grid worth -50 points and flips tails, they can choose to deduct 50 points from a leading competitor. Conversely, landing on a high positive value and flipping tails allows them to gift points strategically to another group, perhaps to balance the competition or forge alliances.


Adding Challenges


To keep the game unpredictable and fair, various challenges can be incorporated. For example, a player might have to be blindfolded for their throw, increasing the difficulty and adding humor to the proceedings. Other possible challenges include skipping a turn or making a throw with the non-dominant hand.


Educational Benefits


"Trick or Treat" offers numerous educational benefits:

  • Enhanced Engagement: The game's interactive nature keeps students actively involved.

  • Reinforcement of Knowledge: By answering review questions, students reinforce their understanding of the subject matter.

  • Critical Thinking: Deciding where to allocate points fosters strategic thinking and decision-making skills.

  • Teamwork: Working in groups promotes collaboration and communication among students.



"Trick or Treat" is more than just a game; it's a dynamic educational tool that turns review sessions into an exciting competition. By blending knowledge testing with physical activity and strategic elements, it ensures that students remain engaged and motivated. Whether used for a quick review or an end-of-unit recap, "Trick or Treat" is sure to become a favorite in any classroom, and we love it at Astor International School.


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