Who shares next?
Give everyone thinking time, then choose a student to share an answer or question. Allow a pass where appropriate for your class.
FOR CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
Turn Random Student Picking Into a Classroom Game
Choose who joins the next activity with a small pixel game. Paste your class list, choose Quick Pick and catch a bug to reveal a student’s name.
By default each pick is independent. Turn on No Repeats in Settings and every student is picked once before anyone is picked again.
Three steps to a student pick
- Add your list. Enter one student name or nickname per line.
- Save & Pick One. This starts Quick Pick with one bug. Award presenters and Bug Hunt settings are optional.
- Catch and reveal. Click, tap or press Space during the round. Use Pick Again when you need another independent selection.
Small moments where a picker can help
Classroom helper
Choose from a list of willing helpers for a short activity or demonstration.
Review sessions
Use a quick selection between review questions, or a short Bug Hunt with team nicknames for a playful break.
A five-minute review activity
- Prepare three review questions and invite students to think or discuss in pairs.
- Paste participant nicknames. Keep your own list of who has already spoken if you need balanced turns.
- Use Quick Pick for each question. Invite the selected student to share, ask for help or pass.
- Ask the class to add to the response. The random pick starts discussion; it is not an assessment score.
To give every student exactly one turn, turn on No Repeats in Settings. The rotation continues across picks and page reloads in the same browser; choose Start New Rotation to begin again with the full class.
A playful alternative for the classroom screen
Bug Garden gives you something to do during the reveal: catch a bug instead of spinning a wheel. Try the sample list on your classroom display before the lesson to check text size and controls. See the comparison with a name wheel to decide which experience fits your activity.
Names and privacy
Names and game settings are processed in the browser, and the current list is saved locally when available. Participant names are excluded from the game’s analytics events. A shared game link contains the names, so use fictional names in public examples. Read the privacy policy.
Frequently asked questions
Can I prevent a student being picked twice?
Yes. Turn on No Repeats in Settings. Each student is picked once before anyone is picked again, and the number of students left appears after each pick. Without it, every pick is independent and names can repeat.
Is the picker random?
Yes. The browser uses Web Crypto to choose an unbiased random index from your list. Catching a particular bug does not select a particular student. Read the explanation.
Can I use a projector?
Open the site in a modern browser and project the screen. Try the sample list before class to check readability on your display.
Is Bug Garden free?
Yes. You can enter names, use Quick Pick and play Bug Hunt for free. No account or installation is required.
Can I reuse my list?
Your current list and settings are saved in this browser when local storage is available. Return on the same browser to reuse them. There is not yet a library of separately named lists.
What happens when I share a game?
The shared link contains your list and game configuration. Anyone who receives it can read the names. Use nicknames or fictional names for public demos.