One Word Whip-Around
At a Glance
- Time: 1-2 minutes
- Prep: None
- Group: Whole class
- Setting: Any
- Subjects: Universal
- Energy: Medium
Purpose
Rapidly gather reflective data by having each student share one word summarizing their key takeaway, creating a collective snapshot of what resonated most with the class.
How It Works
- Think of one word (30 sec) - "What's the one word that captures your biggest takeaway from today?"
- Rapid share (1 min) - Going quickly around room, each student says their word—no explanations
- Notice patterns (30 sec) - Teacher or students identify common themes
What to Say
Opening: "One word that summarizes your key learning from today. Think for 20 seconds... Starting here, going clockwise. Just the word, no explanation. Go!" During: [As words emerge] "Photosynthesis. Energy. Chlorophyll. Light. Glucose..." [Quick pace] Closing: "Interesting! Half said 'energy,' a third said 'chlorophyll'—those are the two core concepts. Perfect snapshot of what landed."
Why It Works
Single-word constraint forces distillation to essence, rapid pace maintains energy, and collective sharing reveals class-wide patterns that inform next instruction.
Teacher Tip
Keep pace brisk. No explanations allowed—just words. If someone hesitates more than 3 seconds, say "Pass" and come back to them at the end.
Variations
Prompts: Biggest takeaway, most confusing concept, feeling about lesson, connection to prior knowledge • Ages: K-5: optional word assistance; 6-12: standard; College: discipline-specific synthesis
Online
Type in chat simultaneously, or unmute sequentially. Display word cloud of responses afterward.
Troubleshooting
Students give phrases: "One word only! Hyphenated words allowed, but that's the limit."
Extension
After whip-around, pair-share: "Find someone who said a different word—discuss why you chose different terms."
Related: Minute Papers, Exit Tickets