STEM Charades FAQs

Getting Started

What is STEM Charades?

STEM Charades is a screen‑free game where pupils act, explain, and guess STEM ideas using talk and gesture. It turns abstract concepts into shared, physical experiences that build confidence, vocabulary, and collaborative problem‑solving.

Which product should I buy first?

Start with the Starter Box if you’re new: it includes the spinner and DIY pad plus core STEM cards. Add themed packs (Science, Maths, Computing, Planet Earth) for depth, the KS1 Pack for younger learners, or use Bundle x6 for whole‑class parallel play.

How long does a session take?

Use 5–10 minutes as a warm‑up, or 20–30 minutes for a full session with reflection. Most teachers weave it into lesson starters, plenaries, clubs, and “brain‑breaks” without needing extra planning time.

Do I need any tech or prep?

No devices required. Pick a card, choose TALK ONLY / GESTURES ONLY / BOTH, and play. The prompts and variations are built in so you can set up and go in under two minutes.

Using It In Class Or At Home

How do I differentiate for mixed‑ability groups?

Vary the communication mode (talk, gestures, or both), allow pair‑explanations, and scaffold with sentence stems (e.g., “It’s like…” “First… then…”). Challenge confident pupils to justify why an action matches a concept.

How do I assess learning with a game?

Use quick “confidence checks” before and after a round, listen for accurate vocabulary, and ask for a one‑sentence explanation post‑guess. Keep a simple tally of concepts that needed re‑teaching to inform your next lesson.

Can I align this to curriculum outcomes?

Yes. Packs map to common KS1–KS2 strands: Science (materials, forces, processes), Maths (number, shape, measure, problem‑solving), Computing (algorithms, debugging, computational thinking), and Planet Earth (climate change, habitats, natural processes).

How do I run it with a whole class?

Give each table a box (Bundle x6 makes this easy). Stagger turns or set timed rounds. Rotate roles (actor, explainer, vocabulary spotter, summariser) so every pupil contributes.

Age Suitability

What ages is it for?

KS1–KS2 (ages 5–11). The KS1 Pack uses simpler language and shorter prompts for ages 5–7, while themed packs add depth for older or more confident groups.

Is it suitable for Early Years?

Yes, with adult modelling and shorter turns. Start with everyday concepts and gestures, then build towards simple STEM language.

Research & Pedagogy

What’s the evidence behind STEM Charades?

It’s grounded in research on embodied learning: when learners gesture, they externalise thinking, connect prior experience to new vocabulary, and remember concepts more effectively. STEM Charades was developed through the Move2Learn collaboration with university partners, translating that evidence into easy classroom routines.

Why does gesture help with abstract STEM ideas?

Gestures act as a bridge between concrete experience and formal language. Moving while explaining reduces cognitive load, supports memory, and encourages precise talk (e.g., showing “repeat” or “force” physically makes the idea easier to grasp and discuss).

How does this support inclusion and SEND?

Multiple modes (talk, gesture, both) reduce barriers to participation. Visual modelling, role rotation, and brief turns help pupils with attention, language, or working‑memory differences engage meaningfully without screens

Product Specifics

What’s the difference between packs?

• Science Pack: materials, forces, and processes.

• Maths Pack: number, shape, measure, and problem‑solving.

• Computing Pack: algorithms, debugging, and computational thinking (unplugged).

• Planet Earth Pack: climate change, habitats, and natural processes.

• KS1 Pack: shorter, simpler prompts for ages 5–7.

• Starter Box: spinner + DIY pad + core cards (best first step).

• Bundle x6: six Starter Boxes for whole‑class parallel play.

• Whole School Embodied Learning: classroom sets plus CPD for staff.

Do I need the Starter Box to use other packs?

No, each pack works on its own. The Starter Box adds the spinner and DIY pad for the full experience.

How many pupils can play at once?

One box comfortably runs a table group (4–6 pupils). Bundle x6 equips a full class to play simultaneously in groups.

Planning, Behaviour, And Safety

How do I keep behaviour on track?

Set a 30–60 second limit per turn, assign roles, and celebrate clear explanations over “big performances.” Use “hands still while guessing” and a simple non‑verbal signal to pause if noise rises.

Is it safe and classroom‑friendly?

Yes—no devices, minimal movement space required, and clear turns reduce collisions. Choose gestures that can be shown from the spot rather than running or large actions.

CPD And Whole‑School Rollout

Do you offer teacher training?

Yes. The Whole School Embodied Learning package combines classroom sets with CPD so staff learn the why (research) and the how (practical routines) together. Sessions focus on modelling, differentiation, and assessment.

How do we embed it across the school?

Start with a shared quick‑start routine, agree common role names, and build a short bank of reflection questions. Use short “wins” (starters and plenaries) before extending into clubs and cross‑curricular projects.

Buying, Shipping, And Returns

Do you ship internationally?

Yes—see Shipping for regions, delivery times, and costs. Processing times and carriers vary by location; you’ll receive tracking where available.

What’s your returns policy?

If something arrives damaged or you ordered the wrong item, contact us within the stated window on the Shipping & Returns page. We’ll advise on replacements or refunds quickly.

Accessibility and language

How do I support EAL learners?

Model a gesture first, add a key word with a picture cue, and encourage peers to restate correct vocabulary. Short, repeated rounds build confidence fast without relying on screens.

Can families use this at home?

Absolutely. Keep rounds short, swap roles often, and pick familiar concepts first. It works well for home learning because it’s quick, playful, and needs no devices.

Troubleshooting

Pupils are stuck—what should I do?

Offer two scaffold prompts (“It’s like…,” “First… then…”) or switch to BOTH (talk + gesture). If the concept still feels hard, model a simple example and replay with a new card.

Sessions feel too noisy or slow—any tips?

Use a timer, limit guesses to three, and reflect briefly after each round. Shorter, more frequent sessions often improve pace and clarity.

Data and privacy

Do you collect personal data from pupils?

No purchase requires pupil data. For questions about customer data (orders, emails), see our Data & Privacy page for what we collect, why, and your rights.