By Trilby
Let’s be honest… Going over the syllabus isn’t exactly the most thrilling part of the back-to-school season. But it is important. Students need to know how your class works, what you expect, and how to succeed. A well-planned syllabus activity can help you cover everything students need to know in a way that actually keeps their attention.
The good news? A syllabus activity doesn’t have to be boring. With a few simple tweaks, you can turn it into something interactive, student-centered, and even fun.
Here are five creative syllabus games and activities to make those first few days of school more engaging while still covering all the essentials.
1. Syllabus Bingo
This is my favorite go-to syllabus activity for the first week of school. Instead of reading the syllabus aloud (while students quietly tune out), give them a Bingo card with a list of questions and have them hunt for the answers in their copy of the syllabus.
Think:
- What percentage of your grade comes from labs?
- How do you turn in late work?
- What’s the class policy on retakes
You can give a small prize for the first students to get bingo, or challenge the class to get a blackout before the end of the period. It’s low-pressure and keeps students engaged while reviewing key information. You can even use it as an icebreaker activity and have students compete in teams. The options are endless!
Want a done-for-you version? Check out my editable Syllabus Bingo Activity on TpT. It’s easy to personalize and includes both print and digital versions. This syllabus activity is perfect for middle and high school classrooms.
2. Syllabus Scavenger Hunt
Want to add movement and a bit more energy to your first day? Try this hands-on twist: a Syllabus Scavenger Hunt where students move around the classroom to find the answers.
Here’s how it works:
- Print key sections of your syllabus and post them around the room. Use colored paper to make it easy to spot!
- Then give students a list of questions (or even the Bingo card described in #1) and have them walk around to find the answers.
This format is especially great for your afternoon classes that need a little break from sitting on the first day. Students can work individually or in pairs, and you get the chance to circulate, answer questions, and observe how they interact with the information.
This approach turns your classroom into an interactive gallery walk and makes the syllabus feel like something they’re discovering, not just being told about.
3. Syllabus Quiz with Kahoot or Quizizz
If your students have access to laptops or devices, turn your syllabus into a fun and fast-paced quiz game using Kahoot or Quizizz. This digital syllabus activity is perfect for adding a little competition while reviewing key expectations.
Create a 10–15 question quiz based on your syllabus. Include questions like:
- What materials do you need to bring to class every day?
- How can you earn extra credit?
- What happens if you miss a lab or assignment?
You can play as a whole class and display the leaderboard to keep students engaged, or assign the quiz as an asynchronous activity for homework or stations. Either way, students are actively reviewing important information and probably having more fun than they expected during a syllabus review.
Bonus: Both platforms give you data, so you’ll know exactly who understood the content and who might need a quick follow-up.
4. Two Truths and a Lie: Syllabus Edition
Put a fun twist on a classic icebreaker. Share three statements about your syllabus – two true and one false. Students work in teams to decide which one is the lie.
Example:
- “Homework is worth 25% of your grade.”
- “There’s no final exam.”
- “You can eat snacks during independent work.”
Students have to dig into the syllabus to back up their answer. It sparks discussion and helps clear up common misconceptions.
5. Grudgeball: Syllabus Edition
If you’re looking for a high-energy syllabus game with a competitive twist, Grudgeball is always a hit, especially with middle and high schoolers.
Here’s how it works:
- Divide the class into 4–5 teams. Each team starts with a set number of points. Ten works well.
- Ask a question based on the syllabus (you can reuse your scavenger hunt or bingo questions).
- If a team answers correctly, they earn the chance to add points to their own score or erase points from other teams.
- Keep score on the board, and the team with the most points at the end wins.
You can play with a standard whiteboard setup or add a physical component like shooting a ball into a trash can for extra points (aka Trashketball style). Either way, students are reviewing the syllabus and having a blast doing it.
This is a great way to turn your syllabus into something students really pay attention to, and it doubles as a great way to observe team dynamics early in the year.
Start the Year with Fun
The syllabus doesn’t have to be a boring requirement. With the right syllabus activity or syllabus game, you can help students actually understand your expectations and set the tone for an engaging, respectful classroom.
Whether you use a scavenger hunt, bingo, or a creative twist on a classic game, you’ll be giving your students a reason to actually read the syllabus. That’s a win in any teacher’s book.
Ready to make it even easier? My Syllabus Bingo is editable, flexible, and designed to work with your classroom policies. It’s a simple way to make day one more interactive without adding extra prep to your plate.
