Welcome back to Playful Pedagogy’s Day 11 of the 12 Games of Christmas! Today’s game is Monikers—also known as Time’s Up, especially here in France.
Prefer to watch instead of read? Here’s a short video where I talk about how I use Monikers/Time’s Up in my classroom.
Monikers is a team-based guessing game played over multiple rounds using the same set of cards. Players work together to get their teammates to guess as many words, phrases, or concepts as possible within a set time limit (usually one minute).
- Round 1: Players may use as many words as they like—except the target word (like Taboo).
- Round 2: Players may give only one word as a clue.
- Round 3: Players may use silent gestures only (charades). No words allowed.
The game emphasizes memory, communication, creativity, inference, and teamwork, while naturally increasing cognitive challenge across rounds.
SECTION 2: HOW I USE MONIKERS IN THE CLASSROOM
In my classroom, I usually adapt Monikers rather than using the original cards. The traditional deck can be too challenging for language learners, so I create my own cards—or repurpose cards from other games like Apples to Apples.
I use vocabulary, phrases, characters, or concepts that students are already familiar with, making this an excellent review or end-of-unit game. Because the same cards repeat across rounds, students deepen understanding through multiple representations: verbal description, single-word association, and physical movement.
It’s also one of my favorite games for end-of-year celebrations, as it builds community, laughter, and shared memories.
CLASSROOM CONNECTIONS ACROSS SUBJECTS
Literacy / Language Arts:
- Vocabulary and phrase review
- Characters, settings, or events from a text
- Oral language and expressive communication
Math:
- Math vocabulary and processes
- Geometry and spatial concepts
- Explaining abstract ideas in multiple ways
Science:
- Systems, cycles, and forces
- Weather, tools, and scientific processes
- Reinforcing key concepts across units
Social Studies:
- Historical events, eras, and timelines
- Forms of government or movements
- Making connections across time periods
Creative Arts / SEL:
- Drama and movement (built-in with charades)
- Creative expression and risk-taking
- Community building and shared laughter
Monikers is flexible:
- Cards can be customized for any subject area
- Timing, team size, and rules can be adjusted
- Works as a warm-up, review, or celebration game
- Scales easily for different ages and ability levels
Because the game progresses from words to gestures, it naturally supports differentiation and engagement.
CONCLUSION
Monikers reminds us that learning can be joyful, social, and a little bit silly. By revisiting ideas in new ways, students deepen understanding while building connection and community.
Have you played Monikers or Time’s Up with your learners? Share how you’ve used it in the comments below!
Thanks for joining me—come back tomorrow for the final game, Day 12 of the 12 Games of Christmas!
I hope you have a wonderful day full of play!