More than once, the bulb went out on my classroom projector. And it always seemed to happen right before a big review day. Ordering a new bulb sometimes took a week, which left me scrambling for a backup plan. If you’ve ever been in that situation, you know how frustrating it is to toss out a fun review game because the tech isn’t cooperating.
That’s why I love having editable review game templates that work in both digital and printable formats. Whether you’re playing whole-class Trashketball on the board or setting up small-group centers with printed cards, you always have a way to keep the review fun no matter what curveballs the day throws at you.
When to Use Digital Review Games
Digital Trashketball templates are perfect for those big, high-energy review sessions when you want everyone focused on the same skill at the same time.
- Whole-class review sessions where everyone needs to see and solve the same question at the same time.
- End-of-unit or test prep days when you want a high-energy activity to boost engagement and excitement.
- When you want to address misunderstandings in real time — playing as a class lets you pause, reteach, and take advantage of teachable moments between questions.
- Reviewing multiple skills at once (like before state tests) when switching quickly between topics keeps students focused.
- Introducing a new game format so you can model how to play before moving students into small groups or centers.
- Large classes where projecting is more practical than printing a full set of task cards.
- When you need a quick, low-prep option — just open the file and start without cutting or sorting materials.
When to Use Printable Review Games
Printable review game templates shine when you want something quieter or more flexible.
- Small groups or centers where students work at their own pace and rotate through activities.
- Sub days when you want something simple to manage. No tech setup or instructions are required.
- When devices or projectors aren’t available but you still want an engaging review activity.
- Quiet review sessions where movement and noise from a whole-class game would be distracting.
- Shorter time blocks (like intervention or pull-out groups) where fewer questions and a simpler setup work better.
Combining Digital and Printable in One Week
The best part about having review game templates in both formats is that you can use them together. For example:
- Start the week with a whole-class digital Trashketball game to practice or review a skill.
- Later in the week, reuse the same questions as printable cards in small groups or centers for extra practice.
This approach lets you get more mileage out of the questions you’ve already created, while giving students multiple opportunities to review in different ways.
Modifications for Small Groups or Centers
Trashketball doesn’t have to be loud or chaotic, especially if you’re working with a small group. A few easy tweaks make the game center-friendly:
- Swap the dodgeball and trash can for a wadded-up paper ball and plastic cup to keep things quiet.
- Shorten the game by using 5–10 questions instead of 15–20, so it fits into center rotations.
- Assign one student as scorekeeper or referee to help the game run smoothly without your constant supervision.
- Use the tabletop “draw a card” format instead of a pocket chart if you’re short on space.
These adjustments keep the game engaging without adding extra prep or noise.
How Trashketball Templates Make This Easy
My editable Trashketball template includes everything you need for both digital and printable play:
- PowerPoint and Google Slides versions (hyperlinked for easy navigation)
- Printable task cards that can be used in pocket charts or tabletop setups
- Recording sheets, rubrics, and certificates for easy prep and recognition
- Editable text so you can create fun review games for any subject or skill
With one resource, you’re ready for whole-class review, centers, sub days, or unexpected tech issues. And you can reuse it all year long.
Want a review game that works no matter how you teach?
Check out my Editable Trashketball Templates. They make it simple to create fun review games your students will beg to play.
