How to play Inside-Outside Circle
- Split the class in half. One half makes a circle facing out. The other half makes a circle around them facing in, so everyone faces a partner. In a crowded room, use two facing lines instead.
- Ask a question. The inside partner answers first for 30 seconds, then the outside partner answers.
- Say "Rotate!" The outer circle moves two people to the left to meet a new partner.
- Ask a new question, or repeat the same one so students hear different answers. Do 5–8 rotations.
- End by asking a few students to share the best answer they heard from a partner.
Variations
- Flash card version: each student holds a card with a question on the front and the answer on the back. Partners quiz each other, swap cards, then rotate.
- First-day speed chat: use easy questions such as "What was the best part of your summer?"
- Debate warm-up: partners take opposite sides of a statement for 60 seconds each, then switch sides with the next partner.
💡 Teacher tips
- With an odd number, join the circle yourself or make one group of three.
- Use the timer and a clear signal to switch speakers so the quieter partner gets equal time.