A resource for randomly selecting a student from a class list.

I would particularly appreciate feedback about the new method of creating and saving class lists. When you have created a class list, you can save it to your computer (ready to be loaded quickly when you wish to use the selector). You could save lots of different class lists to a folder and load the relevant one when required.

If this method is a success, I will try to update many of the other resources in the same way.

When you load a class list, you will be given the option of removing any absent students before making your random selections.

As ever, all feedback is appreciated. It is easy to get in touch – simply use the contact form on this site.

I hope this resource is useful and look forward to hearing your feedback, David.

Following a request via email from a teacher in the USA, I’ve added a new resource to the library.

This selector allows teachers to input up to 32 names and will make a random selection at the push of a button.

To add a little tension, the selector will choose five names – then four – then three… until only one name remains.

It’s another simple Interactive White Board tool and hopefully one which will be of use to teachers.

As ever, feedback is appreciated. Our site receives many thousands of visitors from all around the world and yet very few people contact us with their ideas. It is easy to get in touch – simply use the contact form on this site.

I hope this resource is useful, David.

What does the resource do?

Following a request via email, this resource features two spinners which teachers can customise and use with an IWB.

How does it work?

On the opening screen, type the labels you would like to appear on each of the two spinners.

When you press the ‘Spin’ button, both spinners will randomly select a segment.

How can I use it?

This resource was created in response to a request via email – here is how the teacher thought the requested resource could be used:

“I would like to see TWO spinners on the same page. I can see it used kind of like the Role Selector except it will spin BOTH at the same time, so the person and the role are random – OR – a PE teacher could have numbers on one spinner and activities on the other. So, random exercises are assigned – like if one spinner came up 10 and the other came up jumping jacks, the class would do 10 jumping jacks!”

As ever, all feedback will be appreciated.

Also, please add your comments to this post if you think of an imaginative way to use the ‘Double Spinner’. Your comments will hopefully provide ideas and inspiration for other teachers.

What does the resource do?

This spinner will randomly select from one of four options.

How does it work?

On the opening screen, type the words that you would like to appear in each section.

When you are ready, press ‘Next’ and your spinner will be generated.

This spinner is completely random.

How can I use it?

One idea would be to use this spinner to randomly select pupils or groups for a particular activity.

What does the resource do?

This spinner will randomly select from eight categories of your choice.

How does it work?

Type your eight labels into the opening screen and then press ‘Next’. Your spinner board will be automatically created and is ready for you to use.

This spinner is completely random. Unlike some of the other spinners, segments will not be removed when selected.

How can I use it?

This resource will hopefully be helpful whenever you need make a random selection. If you find a particularly effective use for the resource, please inspire others by sharing your idea in the comment section of this resource.

What does the resource do?

This spinner is numbered from 1 to 8.

The spinner is completely random. However, once a number has been selected, it is removed from the board.

When all numbers have been selected, the board is reset.

How does it work?

Press the ‘Spin’ button to start the spinner and select a number.

How can I use it?

This spinner could be used to randomly decide the order in which groups present to the class.

What does the resource do?

This spinner is numbered from 1 to 16.

The spinner is completely random. However, once a number has been selected, it is removed from the board.

When all numbers have been selected, the board is reset.

How does it work?

Press ‘Spin’ to start the spinner and select a number.