How to play Kaboom (ZAP)
- Write a sight word, math fact or vocabulary word on the end of each stick. On 4–6 sticks write KABOOM (some teachers write ZAP). Put the sticks in the cup, words down.
- Players sit in a circle around the cup. The youngest player starts and turns go clockwise.
- On your turn, pull one stick and read the word or answer the question out loud.
- If the group agrees you are right (check the answer key if needed), keep the stick in front of you. If not, put it back in the cup.
- If you pull KABOOM, put all your sticks back in the cup, including the KABOOM stick.
- Play until the timer rings. The player holding the most sticks wins.
Variations
- Special sticks: add ZAP YOUR NEIGHBOR (the player to your left returns their sticks), SWAP (trade piles with anyone) and BONUS (take another turn).
- Whole-class version: two teams take turns pulling from one cup at the front. A team keeps a stick only if it agrees on the answer within 10 seconds.
- Literacy center: put each skill set in a labeled cup so groups can play on their own for 10 minutes while you work with a small group.
💡 Teacher tips
- Write the answer on the other end of math fact sticks so groups can check without you.
- A KABOOM can upset young students. Treat it as part of the luck, and say before you start that anything can still happen.
- Store each word list or fact family in its own labeled cup and you can reuse the sets all year.