The Bananas Game is a very simple, keep a straight face, type game (further instructions in the ppt). In many cases it would work without a ppt or anything materials at all. But my students were having a hard time coming up with questions. Every class I would hear, “Your face”, which is not a question and is not that funny. So now they can just read the ppt. If they laugh click laughing cat, if not then grumpy cat.

Play this now, at the beginning of the semester. Once the students get used to each other it will be harder to get the nervous laughter going.   

If they laugh they lose. They return to their seat and candy goes to whoever asked the question. If they keep a straight face for four questions then they win, they get candy. The explanation is in the ppt.

Believe me, it wasn't my idea. I don't remember where I read about this game. But it does work.

Tried this with my middle-school boys today! It was borderline interesting for the 2nd-graders, but they're a quiet lot this year anyway.

The 3rd-graders went wild over it. It was really good for getting them to smile and loosen up, which is what they really need right now--they're all running on stress during this first week, moreso than I expected. Thank you so much!