From Classroom to Creativity: Designing an Intro Stats Course with Blank Slate and Games

Starting a new course can be a challenge, especially when you want to engage students right from the first lesson. After the success of my AP statistics project, I found a fresh way to bring creativity and interaction into the classroom. Thanks to a generous donation from the creators of Flip 7, I received multiple copies of their games, including Flip 7, Blank Slate, Hues and Clues, Telestrations, and Tapple. Using these games, I’ve seen firsthand how they spark enthusiasm and collaboration among students. Now, I’m planning to begin my Introductory Statistics course around Blank Slate to kick off the school year with energy and creativity.

Why Use Games in the Classroom

Games are more than just fun distractions. They create a dynamic learning environment where students feel comfortable sharing ideas and working together. Using games like Blank Slate encourages:

• Active participation

• Creative thinking

• Communication skills

• Team collaboration

  
  

In my experience, students who play Flip 7 quickly become engaged because the game challenges them to think on their feet. This energy carries over when they work on other activities. Games break down barriers and help students connect, which is especially important in an intro course where building a positive classroom culture is key.

What Makes Blank Slate Ideal for an Intro Course

Blank Slate is a word association game that asks players to write down a word that fits a given clue. The goal is to match answers with other players without being too obvious. This balance of creativity and strategy makes it perfect for an introductory lesson because:

• It encourages creative thinking without pressure

• It requires students to listen and consider others’ perspectives

• It’s easy to learn and quick to play, fitting well into a single class period

• It naturally leads to discussions about language, ideas, and connections

  
  

By starting with Blank Slate, students warm up their minds and get comfortable sharing ideas in a low-stakes setting. The students that are in this class are seniors who have spent years struggling in mathematics. If I can start them off with a game they can excel at, that could just be the hook I need to keep them engaged.

Planning the Lesson Around Blank Slate

Designing a lesson with Blank Slate involves more than just playing the game. Here’s a step-by-step plan I’m developing for my intro course:

1. Introduction and Icebreaker

Begin by explaining the game rules clearly and demonstrating a quick round. This helps students understand the flow and sets expectations. Use this time to emphasize that the goal is to have fun and think creatively.

2. Play Multiple Rounds

Organize students into small groups of 4-6 players. Playing several rounds allows students to get comfortable and see different strategies in action. Encourage them to notice patterns in how others think.

3. Group Discussion

After playing, bring the class together to discuss what they noticed. Questions to guide the conversation:

• What strategies helped you match answers?

• How did you balance being creative with trying to guess others’ words?

• Did any answers surprise you? Why?

• In this experiment, who or what are the individuals being observed?

• What type of data have you collected under Your Answer?

• What type of data have you collected under Your Score?

  
  

This reflection deepens understanding and connects the game to broader skills like communication and critical thinking.

4. Connect to Course Themes

• Bring the class back together. Use the board to formalize the definitions based on their answers.

• Define "Individual" vs. "Variable": The individual is the person/round; the variable is the word chosen.

  

• Define "Categorical" vs. "Quantitative": Show that the words are categories, while their final scores are numbers.

• Build a Class Chart: Pick one popular word cue from the game (e.g., "HOT _____"). Ask one group to read their words aloud. Build the frequency table and bar chart on the board together to formalize relative frequency (percentages).

Benefits Beyond the First Lesson

Starting with a game like Blank Slate sets a positive tone for the entire course. It shows students that learning can be interactive and enjoyable. The skills practiced during the game—creative thinking, communication, and collaboration—are essential throughout any subject.

Using games also helps build a classroom community. Students learn to listen, respect different ideas, and work together. This foundation makes it easier to introduce more complex topics later.

Tips for Teachers Using Games in Intro Courses

• Keep instructions simple and clear

• Encourage a supportive atmosphere where all answers are valued

• Use small groups to give everyone a chance to participate

• Follow up with discussions to connect the game to learning goals

• Be flexible and ready to adapt based on how students respond

• Play with them and be ready to bring the energy if they are lacking

  
  

Games are tools to build skills and relationships, not just entertainment. When used thoughtfully, they can transform the classroom experience.

Looking Ahead

I’m excited to continue developing this intro course with Blank Slate as a key component. The donation of games from Flip 7 creators has opened new possibilities for interactive learning. As I refine the lesson plan, I will post it in the Lesson Plans page and after I see the lesson in action, I'll create another blog post with updates on what I've learned.

If you’re a teacher looking to bring creativity and connection into your lessons, consider starting with a game. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference in how students engage and learn.