Increasing Student Engagement by Using Randomizers

I always love it when I can find a way to add a little more fun into my classroom.  I like it even better if the way is free!  I found an awesome set of randomizers here.  Today I’d like to share some ways I use this great site in my classroom.

This post shares some great ways to use a (FREE) set of random generators.
There are currently 22 different randomizers on the site.  Here is a sample of how I am using them.
There are a variety of different name pickers you can use.  I selected the one below and filled in values that were +/- multiples of 10/100.  I can assign students a number to write on their dry erase boards.  Next, I tap the SMART Board, and the second part of their equation appears.
Use this free randomizer to generate problems using multiples of 10/100.
I love the random dice option.  You can choose between one and ten dice to roll at once.  This works great for differentiating when you are doing activities like number strings.  After sharing the site with students, they can choose (or you assign) the number of dice to roll and add.
Choose up to 10 dice to role for a variety of fun classroom activities.
I used the random spinner when we were working on action verbs.  I added a variety of different animals on the spinner.  (You can add as many as you want.)  Students spin the wheel, and then they have one minute to brainstorm as many action verbs as they can to go with the animal.
I like putting animals names on this random spinner.  After students spin, they need to list as many related action verbs as they can in one minute.
The claw machine is one of my students’ favorites.  I used this one when we were practicing possessive nouns.  The claw grabs a noun, and the students write a sentence using the noun in a possessive form.
Randomly select nouns with this claw machine.  The students will need to use the possessive form of the noun in a sentence.
These pickers could easily replace or enhance the “picking sticks” system.  I like that there is an option to remove words/numbers as you go.  You can also save the link the for each set.  This helps to keep different turn taking systems organized.
I also thought about using these in some whole class games.  I might make it so the amount of points earned is random.  You could also use these for rewards or the type of party the class earns.  There are so many possibilities!  
***There is a paid version to this site which I will likely purchase if I continue to use the site as frequently as I do now.  My understanding is that the upgrade gets rid of all the ads and allows you to organize your randomizers on the site for easy access.  It is only $12 a year, so I’m seriously considering it.  In the meantime, I’m going to continue to enjoy the free version.
I’d love to hear your ideas on how to use this great site.  Please feel free to share below.
This post shares some great ways to use a (FREE) set of random generators.
Thank you!
Teaching blogger for elementary teachers

Mary Wingert, licensed educator (K-12 Special Ed. & 1-8 General Ed)

I started teaching in 1993.   I have taught special education, fifth grade, and fourth grade.  I moved to second grade in 2015, and I am still there today.  

I believe in teaching strategies that are effective, differentiated, and engaging. I am looking forward to building a community of teachers who feels the same!  Read more here.