Shots for SOLs

You look up at the clock ... several minutes to go before the bell rings. It's the perfect time to take some shots for SOLs, a quick fun sports game to review facts and concepts from today's (or any) lesson. All you need is a prepared list of review questions, a Nerf-like or soft (plush) ball, and a receptacle that represents a basketball goal. For the latter, I've used a toy basketball net that can be hung in front of the room. This week I used a cardboard box that measured 1' X 1' and placed it on a table (desk) in a corner up front. I use an LCD projector to flash questions on the screen (Jeopardy style). You can also be read questions aloud and/or give students a way to solve problems on paper. Then I choose one student to answer. Correct answers earn one point with a chance to score more points by attempting a shot from one of three designated point zones. One point for a "free throw" (about 5 feet from basket), two points from 10 feet away, and three points from 15 feet away (the back of the classroom). Points can be used for extra credit (or any way you choose). It gets noisy just like a basketball game, but I've captured their motivation with a bell ringer of a review game.