Trading Cards

Are you interested in a classbuilding structure that will stimulate the minds and bodies of your students? Do you want a fun way to form random teams? If yes, then Trading Cards is for you. With Trading Cards you will energise the class as you form random teams. Trading Cards is an easy classbuilder. All you need is one small sheet of paper per person and some upbeat music. Students trade cards with classmates while the music plays. When the music stops, they listen for two clues:

1. The size of the group to be formed. 2. Who will be in the group.

The steps for implementing Trading Cards:

Students use trading cards to form discussion groups of two or four.

Students each write down their assigned number (1 to 4) on a card, or pre-made number cards are distributed.

Students stand.

Teacher starts upbeat music.

Students walk around the room trading their cards.

Teacher stops the music; students stop and listen.

Teacher gives two clues: 1) Size of group and 2) Who is in the group. (See examples.)

Teacher gives discussion topic.

Students interact, using: • Timed Pair Share • RallyRobin • RoundRobin

Examples: Groups of four; all same number. Groups of four; no numbers the same. Groups of two; no same number, odds together, evens together. Groups of two; 1's with 2's and 3's with 4's.