Ready-to-use classroom activity
Students write responses to a prompt, crumple their papers, throw them across the room, pick up others' papers, and continue building on ideas.
Grade range
Works across
Activity style
Classroom walkthrough
One concrete example you can borrow, adapt, or teach as written.
Example lesson context
Gather these before class.
What to have ready before students begin.
Create thought-provoking prompts about a character from a class novel (e.g., Harry Potter, Percy Jackson). Clear space in the classroom for safe paper throwing. Prepare display area for final responses.
A classroom-ready sequence from launch to follow-up.
Introduce the snowball discussion concept, emphasizing both fun and learning purpose.
Display the first prompt: 'What are three character traits that describe Harry Potter? Provide evidence from the text for each trait.'
Round 1 (5 minutes):
Students write their response on white paper
Include their name in the corner
When finished, crumple paper into a 'snowball'
First toss:
On signal, students gently toss snowballs across room
Each student picks up one snowball (not their own)
Round 2 (4 minutes):
Students read the snowball they received
Display new prompt: 'Add one more character trait with evidence, or disagree with one trait and explain why'
Students write their addition on the same paper and sign their name
Second toss and Round 3 (4 minutes):
Repeat toss process
New prompt: 'What motivates this character? Add a motivation that explains their actions'
Final round (5 minutes):
After last toss, display final prompt: 'How does this character change throughout the story? Add one example'
Share out: Students read the completed snowball they hold, highlighting the most interesting insights.
Post selected snowballs on bulletin board for reference during future character analysis.
Adjust the activity without losing its core purpose.
For younger students, simplify prompts and reduce number of rounds. For English learners, provide vocabulary word banks. For advanced students, add prompts comparing characters or analyzing symbolic representations.
Use these signals to assess understanding.
Review written responses for text evidence, reasoning, and depth of character analysis. Note which students make insightful additions versus surface-level comments.