Suggestion Box: The Class Redesigns the Lesson
While doing gentle stretches, students analyze the lesson they just finished and, in groups, write one specific change to improve it, which the teacher commits to trying. It encourages critical reflection and student voice in lesson design.
How to play
- Standing stretches led by a student volunteer while everyone mentally reviews each part of the lesson (2 min).
- On their own, each student writes on a card what helped them most and what helped least (2 min).
- Groups of five, seated and stretching their legs, compare cards and write one improvement using the format «we would change... in order to...» (3 min).
- Each group reads its suggestion and drops it in the teacher's box (2 min).
- The teacher picks one suggestion out loud to use next class and explains why (1 min).
Rules
- Suggestions must be specific and doable with the school's equipment and space.
- Critique the task, never specific people.
- Every voice in the group counts: the spokesperson rotates each class.
Variations
Easier
Each student just marks a happy, neutral or sad face on the card for each part of the lesson.
Standard
Group improvement suggestions with a set format and a commitment to use one.
Harder
Groups back their suggestion with data from the lesson, such as wait times or participation.
Adaptations
- Writing difficulties: dictate the idea to a partner or record it on a phone.
- Autism: get two written example suggestions before starting.
- Limited mobility: do seated upper-body stretches and take full part in the writing.
Learning goals
- Critically analyze how a lesson is structured and run.
- Propose workable, well-reasoned improvements.
- Take part responsibly in group decision-making.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cards: 30
Teacher tip
Keep your word: if you use a suggestion, say so at the start of the next class. That's how students learn to take the box seriously.
PatioLab has "Suggestion Box: The Class Redesigns the Lesson" and 5176 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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