Mid-Year Routine Reviews with the Takedown Challenge
Reviewing routines and procedures at the middle of the year is essential. By this point, students may have started slipping into bad habits, and revisiting expectations ensures that the classroom continues to run smoothly. But instead of a simple review, why not make it interactive, competitive, and fun? Enter: The Takedown Challenge, a classroom game that will reinforce procedures while keeping students engaged.
Why Mid-Year Routine Reviews Matter
At the beginning of the school year, you probably spent a lot of time establishing routines and procedures. However, after months in the classroom, students often forget or get lax with expectations. Reviewing procedures:
Reinforces classroom norms
Minimizes disruptions
Helps students regain focus
Builds a stronger classroom community
Instead of just reminding students of the rules, let’s gamify the process with the Takedown Challenge!
What is the Takedown Challenge?
The Takedown Challenge is a team-based game designed to review classroom routines and procedures in a fun and competitive way. Students will work in teams, answer procedural questions, and strategically place or remove X’s on a game board. The goal? Stay in the game and take down other teams by following classroom expectations!
How to Set Up the Takedown Challenge
Materials Needed:
A whiteboard or large chart paper
Markers
List of classroom procedures (arrival routine, transitions, partner work, independent work, dismissal, etc.)
Buzzers (or students can raise hands to answer)
Step 1: Divide the Class into Teams
Split students into five teams and assign each one a fun winter-themed name:
Snowmen
Jackets
Snowflakes
Coffee Cups
Winter Hats
Each team will work together to answer questions correctly and use strategy to eliminate other teams!
Game Play: Whole Group Version
Step 2: Ask a Routine Review Question
The teacher asks a question about classroom routines, such as:
"What is our arrival routine?"
"What should you do before lining up?"
"How do we transition between activities?"
"What are the expectations during independent work?"
"How do we handle materials at the end of class?"
Step 3: Teams Buzz In
The first team to buzz in (or raise their hand) gets a chance to answer.
If correct, they get to place an X on another team’s board.
If incorrect, another team can attempt to answer.
Step 4: Eliminating Teams
If a team accumulates four X’s, they are officially "taken down" and can no longer place X’s on other teams.
However, they stay in the game by working together to erase X’s from their board.
Step 5: Strategic Moves
Once a team has X’s on their board, they can choose to:
Erase an X from their board to stay in the game.
Place an X on another team to take them down faster.
The game continues for a set amount of time, and the last team standing wins!
Alternative Version: Fast-Paced Small Group Play
If you prefer a more independent, high-energy version, follow these steps:
Step 1: Give Teams a Set of Questions
Provide students with 20 routine review questions. They must answer a certain number (e.g., 3 or 5) before checking their answers with the teacher.
Step 2: Teams Work at Their Own Pace
Each team answers their assigned questions and checks them with the teacher.
If their answers are correct, they can place an X on another team.
If incorrect, they must revise before trying again.
Step 3: Fast-Paced Gameplay
This version is more chaotic but great for movement and engagement.
Teams use both their speed and accuracy to stay in the game.
Why This Game Works
This activity is effective because it combines engagement, strategy, and learning in a fun and memorable way. Here’s why it’s a game-changer for your mid-year review:
Encourages Active Participation – Every student has a role in reinforcing expectations.
Adds a Competitive Edge – Students stay engaged when there's a fun challenge.
Reinforces Classroom Norms – Students naturally revisit rules without it feeling like a lecture.
Incorporates Strategy – Teams must think about their moves and work together.
Tips for a Successful Takedown Challenge
Set Clear Expectations – Remind students that the purpose of the game is to review and reinforce procedures in a fun way.
Encourage Teamwork – Teams should discuss and agree before making strategic moves.
Keep It Lighthearted – The game is meant to be fun, so remind students that winning isn’t everything!
Adjust Questions as Needed – If students struggle, rephrase questions or add hints.
Use Incentives – Consider a small reward for the winning team, such as extra free time or a classroom privilege.
Make It Easy with a Pre-Made Version!
Want to save time? This Takedown Challenge is available in my Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) store, complete with:
✔ Step-by-step teacher directions
✔ A printable game board
✔ A full list of routine review questions
✔ Both whole-group and fast-paced versions
Check it out here and get your students excited for a fun and effective mid-year review!
Final Thoughts
Classroom routines and procedures don’t have to be boring to review! The Takedown Challenge is a perfect way to refresh expectations, boost student engagement, and create a positive classroom culture—all while having a blast.
Try it out and let me know how it goes! Have your own favorite mid-year review strategies? I'd love to hear them! 🎉
