Does a name wheel make sure every student gets a turn?

No. The wheel selects from the entries on it, and an entry may be selected again while it remains on the wheel. For one turn per student, start with each student listed once and remove the selected name after each spin; on the main wheel and Classroom Name Picker, Remove also clears any other entry with the same text.

How can I avoid selecting the same student again?

Choose Remove in the winner dialog after a selection. On the main wheel and Classroom Name Picker, this removes all entries with the selected name, including matching duplicates.

Can I save a class list for another activity?

Yes. When signed in, use Save Wheel to store a text-entry list in My Wheels and load it later. Remove absent students and check the list before each class activity.

Teacher Tips for Using a Classroom Name Wheel

1. Prepare the roster

Enter the students who are present and intended to take part. NameWheel accepts up to 100 text entries. Each line is a separate wheel entry, so repeated names create repeated slots. On the main wheel and Classroom Name Picker, choosing Remove also removes every entry with the same text; use one line per student if you want one active slot per student. If students share a displayed name, use distinct labels that are appropriate to show.

Before projecting the wheel, check that the list is current and appropriate to display. Avoid putting sensitive information in a public classroom list.

2. Set expectations before a spin

Explain what the selection will be used for and what a student can do if they need more time or do not want to answer. Options such as thinking time, passing, or returning to a student later are classroom choices the wheel cannot make for you.

For low-stakes activities, the visual spin can make the chosen entry easy for a group to see. Use your judgment about whether a public selection is suitable for the question or student.

When you want no repeats

Start with each student listed once. After a spin, choose Remove in the winner dialog to remove that name before the next spin. On the main wheel and Classroom Name Picker, the action removes every entry with the same text, including duplicate names.

When you need teams

A name wheel selects one entry; it does not balance or distribute a class into groups. Use the Group Generator for group assignments and review the result before using it.

3. Reuse a list carefully

If you sign in, you can save a text-entry list to My Wheels and load it for another activity. Recheck attendance, duplicate entries, and suitability each time; a saved list does not update itself when your class changes.

To try the workflow, open the Classroom Name Picker. It lets you paste a roster, spin, and remove an entry when you want to avoid repeats.

Common Questions

Choose the right classroom tool

Use a student picker for one-at-a-time selection, or a group tool when you need assignments across teams.