Looking for an interactive way to start your class and get students engaged right from the beginning? Try the Four Corner Elimination strategy! This Quick Connect activity combines movement, decision-making, and a little friendly competition to help students connect and start their day on a positive note.
How to Play Four Corner Elimination
1. Start by showing students the Quick Connect question or prompt for the day. For example: 
2. Identify four spots in the classroom for students to go to based on their choice. The corners of the room are a great choice, but you can adjust based on your classroom layout.
3. Ask students to think of their answer quietly. Give them a few seconds to decide before they move.
4. When you say “Go,” students move to the spot in the classroom that corresponds to their answer. Put a 20-30 second timer on the board and challenge them to get to their spot safely and quickly.
6. The remaining two options will be the finalists. The choice with the most students becomes the class decision!
What If There’s a Tie?
If there is a tie in any round for the fewest students in a spot, you can cast the deciding vote as the teacher. Alternatively, invite someone the students know well in the building (like a principal, counselor, or coach) to cast the tie-breaking vote.
Tips for Different Grade Levels
Middle and High School
Make it more engaging by showing other classes what the winning choices were. You could even create a leaderboard to compare across different class periods. This adds a fun social element and encourages students to participate.
Elementary School
Consider sharing the results with other grade-level classes. Or, spice it up by organizing a whole-school competition to see which choice was the most popular across the entire school!
Quick Troubleshooting
What if a choice has no students?
Instantly eliminate that choice and move on to the remaining options.
What if students are hesitant to move?
Encourage participation by making it fun and light-hearted. Let students know there are no wrong answers!
What if there are more than four choices with the Quick Connect?
You can use the Four Corner Elimination strategy with three or more choices.
Why Use Four Corner Elimination?
This strategy helps students connect with their peers, practice decision-making, and feel more comfortable sharing their opinions. It’s a simple way to build community, start conversations, and inject energy into the beginning of your class.
Ready to give it a try? Let us know how Four Corner Elimination works in your classroom! Try this fun, movement-based activity to build connection, encourage decision-making, and create classroom energy from the start.
-Edtomorrow Team