What do children think of Hands Up?

Pupil Voice is an important part of my Talk Audits; here are some recent responses when I asked Key Stage 2 children their opinions about Hands Up:

  • My hand is always tired!

  • Hands Up isn't fair because some people sit back and let others do the work.

  • I prefer random selection because it's fairer.

  • Sometimes more thinking time is needed.

  • Your hand gets tired when someone else is speaking.

  • Lolly Sticks are better than Hands Up because anyone could get chosen; we all have to have an answer. It gets everyone in the class thinking, not just one person.

 
Tips for using random selection
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Six ways to improve listening

…especially pupil-to-pupil listening

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Do you unconsciously choose certain pupils?

Here’s one way to minimise bias

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Talk in Assembly

A simple way to make assemblies more interactive

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Tips to make Zoom sessions interactive (Part 3)

More ideas to encourage participation

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Should everyone talk to the class?

Three essential ingredients to ensure pupils have the confidence to speak in front of their peers

Philosophy Bear talking toy
What about the quiet children?

Three simple ways to increase participation

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Video: High Quality Talk in Nursery

Simple-yet-effective techniques to get three year olds talking and keep them focused.

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What if the child doesn't answer?

When using random selection in whole class learning, if a child doesn’t respond, there are several options.

Lolly sticks
Tips for using lolly sticks

Lolly sticks are a really simple way to randomly select children, but like anything they need to be used properly.