Today's guest blog is brought to you by an energetic and passionate culinary arts teacher and international speaker who engages and inspires audiences to transform their teaching and create unforgettable experiences in their own educational settings to make learning magical--Tisha Richmond!

She has more than 25 years of experience in public education as a Family & Consumer Science teacher, Tech Integration Specialist, and Student Engagement & Professional Development Specialist. She is also the author of three amazing books Make Learning Magical, Dragon Smart, and the Edu Protocol Companion Guide. Without further ado, let's get to learning from this outstanding educator!

Take it away, my friend!

Guest Blog

Spring in education is wild. Between performances, awards ceremonies, state and AP testing, prom, spring sports, senioritis, and…if you're in my culinary world…catering requests, it can feel like we’re racing to the finish line with barely a moment to breathe.

That’s why I love to press pause on the chaos and bring in a little fun with purpose. When students are juggling so much, engaging them through movement, creativity, and connection is exactly what they need. Wild Unicorn is my go-to game to sneak in content review, especially vocabulary, in a playful, collaborative way.

This game is perfect for review days, prep for finals or state assessments, or anytime you want to infuse joy and energy into your classroom. All you need is a stack of vocabulary cards, a timer, and a little imagination!

Wild Unicorn Game | Whole Class Edition

Objective:Teams work together to guess vocabulary words through drawing, sculpting, and acting. The team with the most points when time runs out wins!

Time: Approximately 20-30 minutes (You determine end of game either by points or time cap)

Ages: Intermediate-secondary

Materials Needed:

• A set of 20–40 vocabulary word cards

• A deck of playing cards (Creativity Cards)

• A 30 second or 1 minute timer (You can decide which is best for your learners)

• Classroom whiteboard

• Play-Doh (doc cam, if possible so everyone can see easily)

Setup:

• On the table in front of the class, have a deck of playing cards and a stack of vocabulary word cards ready to flip.

• Place Play Doh under the doc camera to show on the projector screen for visibility.

• Have a timer ready to start.

• Divide the class into two teams.

• Choose which team goes first (rock-paper-scissors or roll a die for fun).

How to Play

1. A player from the team playing first comes up front and draws one vocabulary card and one playing card.

2. The suit of the playing card determines the action:

• ♦️ Diamonds: Draw it (on the whiteboard)

• ♠️ Spades: Sculpt it (with Play-Doh)

• ♣️ Clubs: Charades (act it out!)

• ♥️ Hearts: Wild Unicorn! (player chooses any of the above!)

Template Link to Creativity Card Key

3. The number on the card determines the points:

• 2–10 = face value

• Jack, Queen, King = 10 points

• Ace = 11 points

• Jokers = You decide! (eliminate or assign points)

• Fun twist: Make tricky words double points!

4. The player has 30 seconds (or 1 minute) to get their team to guess the word. If they don’t, the opposing team gets one chance to steal the points!

5. Play continues with teams taking turns. You can determine game length, or play until a team reaches a set score.

Optional Variations:

• You can play as a whole class or in smaller groups.

Wild Unicorn Game Directions | Small team play

• Points can be distributed by the point value of the playing card, or grouped as cards 1 through 5 = 5 points, 6 through face cards = 10 points.

Tips for Success:

Play to Your Team’s StrengthsGot an artist, a class clown, and a quiet sculptor on your squad? Use everyone’s talents strategically! Let your team choose who takes each turn based on the suit (draw, sculpt, charades) for a better shot at points.

Redraw If You’re StuckSometimes a word just doesn’t click. Let students use a one-time “redraw” option during the game. 

It keeps the momentum going and removes unnecessary stress.

Create a Running Word BankTrack played vocabulary words on the board or a class slide deck. Not only does it support memory and review, but it reinforces repetition in a fun, visual way.

Celebrate All WinsWhether someone draws a masterpiece or totally flops the sculpt but makes the whole class laugh, celebrate it! Games are about connection, confidence, and creativity as much as competition.

Give Wild Unicorn a try!

So, when spring chaos creeps in, give yourself (and your students) permission to play. Pull out the vocabulary cards, hit the timer, and let the Wild Unicorn gallop into your classroom! Feel free to add your own magic, by coming up with other variations! Share your classroom game play on social by tagging me on Instagram @tishrichmond or X @tishrich.

Thank You, Tisha!