Beanbag Bucket Vote
Students vote for the activity they liked best and the one they found hardest by dropping a beanbag into the bucket that stands for it. Then the class counts the votes together. It builds personal decision-making and reflection on the lesson.
How to play
- Line up as many buckets as there were activities in class (3 or 4), 3 feet apart. In front of each bucket, set a card with a picture or name of the activity.
- Students sit in a line about 10 feet away, each holding a beanbag. Briefly review each activity by pointing to its card (1 min).
- First vote: "Which activity did you like best?" One at a time, each student walks slowly to the buckets, drops their beanbag into their choice and returns to their spot behind the line (2 min).
- Count each bucket's beanbags out loud together, pulling them out one by one. Ask one student from each bucket why they chose it.
- Second vote: "Which activity was hardest for you?" Repeat the process and count again (2 min).
- Talk with the class about which activity you'll repeat and which you'll practice more. Two helpers put away the beanbags and buckets (1 min).
Rules
- Drop the beanbag into the bucket; don't throw it from far away.
- Vote for yourself, not the way your friends vote.
- Walk to the buckets one at a time so nobody bumps.
- No activity is bad; we vote to make classes better.
Variations
Easier
Use only two buckets and one question about the favorite activity.
Standard
Three or four buckets and two questions: favorite and hardest.
Harder
Students vote with an underhand toss from a line 6 feet away and explain their vote in one sentence to the class.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: bring the buckets to the student's chair, or a buddy carries the beanbag to the bucket they point to.
- Visual impairment: give each bucket a different sound or texture and describe its position out loud.
- Fitness/level: older students record the count in a chart and compare it across lessons.
Learning goals
- Make a personal decision about the lesson's activities.
- Identify which activities feel most fun and which feel hardest.
- Take part in a class decision and respect the result.
Equipment for a class of 25
- beanbags: 25
- buckets: 4
- cardstock signs with activity pictures: 4
Teacher tip
Actually use the results to plan the next lesson; when students see their vote counts, their reflection gets more honest. Don't let it turn into an accuracy contest.
PatioLab has "Beanbag Bucket Vote" and 2499 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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