Classrooms

How to use a name wheel in the classroom

Set up a classroom name picker, decide when to remove a selected name, and make participation comfortable for students.

Set up the list before the lesson

Add one student per line and check spelling before you share the screen. Keep a separate wheel for each class so a selection does not expose names from another group. If students will see the display, use first names or initials where that is enough.

Try a short practice spin with sample names. It lets you check the text size, contrast, and where the result appears before anyone is called on.

Choose a turn-taking rule

For a one-off question, leave names in the wheel: every spin is a fresh draw. For a round where everyone should have one turn, enable Remove winner after each spin. The selected name leaves the active wheel until you restore the list.

Tell the class which rule you are using before the first spin. A wheel makes the selection visible, but it does not decide whether a student is ready or whether a question is appropriate.

Make the result useful

Give students a moment to think before spinning, or let pairs discuss an answer first. If someone needs to pass, use a consistent pass rule and move on. A name wheel works best as a turn-taking aid when the teacher still manages the activity.

For project groups, put group names on the wheel instead of individual students. You can also use it to choose the next activity, reading order, or a volunteer job.

Put this into practice

Start with a sample wheel, then replace the entries with your own list.

Try the classroom wheel