Name: Popsicle Sticks: Teacher Picks
Rating: 4.63558 (1062 reviews)

User Reviews for Popsicle Sticks: Teacher Picks

4.64 out of 5

1.1K Ratings

5 years ago, Gggg🎾

As a Physical Education Teacher:

This app is priceless. I’d like to thank the crew whom put this app together in order to make this aspect of teaching more seamless and easy to track. I gave this app a 5 because it deserves it, but there are always improvements to be made. The one that I’d really like to see is the ability to remove students on a tourney by tourney basis like in grouping. I’d like to use the tournament feature daily to mix up teams day to day rather than game by game. However, some students are absent or unable to participate on a daily basis as well. If you could include that feature in tournaments in the same way you do in grouping, it would be stellar. That’s all I have for critiques. Honestly, great work. I’m looking forward to using this app often especially if you continue to update and improve. You got my $5 before I’ve even used it. Thanks again.

9 months ago, mtini64

Great for elementary music teachers

I teach elementary music on a cart, meaning I push in to 10 classes every day to teach them music. My time is split between two schools, meaning I teach music to around 700 kids every week. I put all their names in at the beginning of the school year. Not only am I able to randomly select kids to help me during each class, but it has also helped me to learn their names quicker. I think this app is a valuable resource to any teacher, but it has been especially valuable to me. I don’t use all the features on this app, but I use the random name picking almost every day. I cannot believe how helpful it has been. Plus, I always tell my students to get mad at the app, not me if they don’t get picked.

6 years ago, Chellefish81

Very useful even for subs

I am a long term sub and have to learn names quickly because I only have a couple months with the kids I teach. This app helps me call on different student often so I learn all the names quickly. That makes a big difference when you have 150 student in a high school setting. It was well worth the 4 dollars to be able to add more than one class. I also think the features are very helpful in a classroom setting. I hate grouping kids because it always seems like I put the wrong kids together. With app making random group I find fewer problems.

3 years ago, c.p.0.

Can’t delete or edit students or classes

I love this app but the functionality is frustratingly limited when I need to move a student to a different class and all I can do is rename the student. I also cannot for the life of me edit the names of the classes. When students leave in the middle of the year, I have no way to delete students. I was hoping the update would help but it did not address this issue. Edit: I just needed to swipe from right to left on the student or the class. Functionality is restored.

2 years ago, jmketo

Perfect multifaceted teacher tool

I’ve been using this app for three years and I’ve always been happy with it. I use the list feature to keep track of my “mystery walker” in the hallway and I don’t have to depend on my memory to track who has already been selected. I use the random name selector all the time, the dice roll, and of course grouping students is a great one. I recommend this app to all my colleagues. I’m excited to try out additional features, especially the new math game.

4 years ago, mommamel08

Favorite App I’ve added this school year!

Whoever designed this app knows kids! It’s been perfect for my 3rd grade class, but would work for any age. We mainly use it to choose teams at recess (I play with a different sport with them each day), partners or groups for class, and to choose who will do their presentation next in class. The kids love it! You can even enter their birthdays in order to get a reminder but also has some special features for the bday child.

5 years ago, #smoreenglish

Easiest Equity System Available

I’m not one who likes to make physical popsicle sticks like some of my crafty colleagues. And online tools might do the job, but they’re either not as versatile or they take far too long to get something accomplished. This app is great for grouping any number of students into groups, and it has additional features others might find useful. One week in, and I’m having the best engagement I’ve ever experienced in my seven years of teaching high school students.

5 years ago, Leela2999

Totally useful but hope a future update will enable it to work seamlessly in multitasking

The app is perfect for quickly pairing or grouping. It will make random groups and then you can slide around to make quick switches. Classic random selection is great,too! One last thing developer...I used to be able to use the app easily while multitasking. That is no longer so. It was so helpful to view both the popsicle sticks and other app content simultaneously. Now it’s super annoying. Having to switch back and forth and only in portrait messes with my flow. This app would be so great if it worked with new updates to multitasking in iPadOS!

1 year ago, Pnkptlz

🤩 Randomized Grouping Tool 🤩

Wow, what an amazing randomized color-coded grouping tool made easier for me to use to create my teams. Including the other features that I plan on using. Now I can randomize my groups weekly/daily and make any changes to my groups anytime. The auto-save feature is cool so you’ll never lose any changes you make. What a great one-time purchase filled with features that are great for teachers to use.

4 years ago, ++ScoMo++

Useful in the music classroom

It is really hard to fair, to give each child a chance to be heard. This app helps me pick students randomly to get a turn to play, sing, and show their creativity. One thing, when you create a CSV file to import your classes, it doesn’t work if you create the CSV file on a PC and email it to yourself. The CSV file needs to be created on a Mac and emailed so that it will open.

2 months ago, Battyjacq

Works great, once you set it up

I really enjoyed this last year. It worked well and the students laughed at how their names were pronounced. Some of the add on stuff has been fun too Now it’s a new school year and I need to delete the old classes to make new ones. There isn’t an easy way to do that! This is a short term frustration of course. I can replace the names individually. But a way to clear it out at the beginning of the year would be nice.

5 years ago, r0binc

Love it

Only wish it didn’t cost me to have more than one class, or I would have known that before I fell in love with the app. I tried other similar apps but this one is user friendly. I also love that I can change how randomly it chooses students’ names.

6 years ago, JulietteNapierala

Frustrating

Why even have the app as free if you ultimately end up having to pay to use the main feature? I like all the other features the app has and that is why I gave it two stars, but am ultimately disappointed with the fact that the app is useless if you don’t pay $3.99. If I’d known that I would be cut off after a certain amount of uses, I would’ve been more careful every time I created a list or clicked random. I definitely would not have spent such extensive time creating my classes if I would have known that they would be useless if I refused to pay.

4 years ago, Blimdy girl

Would be awesome with accessibility updates

I am a blind user who utilizes screen reader technology on an iPhone. This app is great and mostly accessible. I would love to see future updates that include accessibility for screen reader in a Gratian. For example, some buttons are not labeled and therefore, the screen reader just reads it as button. This makes it impossible to know what the function does. Other buttons are labeled in a clunky fashion such as rubric five… Rubric six… Again, it is impossible to know what the function is.

6 years ago, Mrs. S at TOL

Popsicle Sticks

This app has transformed my day in the classroom. I teach 5th grade and I use it for everything: assigned seats in the room and lunch, small groups, pairs, lining up, jobs, answering questions. Everything! The kids LOVE to hear their name called out my the app even when it’s pronounced wrong. Lol!! Thank you!! Mrs. Simone

7 years ago, Teacher 2016-17

Expensive!!!!

I agree with the previous reviewer of the additional costs adding up quickly. With 100 students, free random lists, random groups, and scored discussions are used quickly. Not worth more than the initial $2.99. I now have $9 in this app and haven't used scored discussions yet. Not budget friendly, nor is any app more deceiving about it's cost. I'm happy others have the ability to purchase the unlimited version for $2.99, but it doesn't change the fact I paid too much.

6 years ago, D

Please help

I tried to get app support but it said there was an error. I paid $5 for this app and I really like it, but every time I create group one or two students always get left out. I thought it might be because I had an odd number of kids, but today it left 3 students out of groups of 2. It could have made one more group of 2. Please fix.

3 years ago, imatree

The best

I just wrote this app upon a resource share in my Ed masters program. Every teacher could use this effectively and it will help you group easily. With 200+ students I can pretend I have only a few! Worth it.

9 months ago, Senn Williams

Math Teacher

Love popsicle sticks to randomly select students for any activity. Also takes the stress away from placing students in groups, since popsicle sticks does it for you.

3 years ago, Sisyphus46

Import glitches

I will update after I actually get to try the app. Right now I’m frustrated because the app keeps crashing during the import process. 2 classes worked fine, but the third list crashes the app as soon as I try to scroll and confirm the list. I’m annoyed so far & hope the experience improves. I’m off to type in 31 names….

3 years ago, Mrs.KBranson

edits

I would like to be able to edit the voice with my own because some of the names are not pronounced correctly. Otherwise I enjoy the app, especially the ease of creating groups

9 months ago, kissan aiti

Deleting Students from a Class

I like using this app, but every time a student leaves my class, I hate that it is more difficult to remove a student from a class than it is to add them. It is not an intuitive process. And today as I am trying to adjust classes at the beginning of the semester, I almost hate the app.

4 years ago, nrclark65

Disappointed

It’s hard to believe the steps to import a class don’t work. I wish I read some reviews before I bought it. I’ve used the stick pick app for years and love it. This app had some additional features so thought I would give it a try. I have 160 students and am not about to manually add each student. I could’ve spent $5 on something else.

8 months ago, lllll,bsubusgyc

Terrible App

Although it started off great I began using it too much and it ended up ruining my life because it would put people in groups that would ruin their grades and at my house we used it to separate chores. It also glitches and sometimes adds random people that you don't even know into groups. I hate this app and do not recommend using it for anything.

6 years ago, Greg2746352999

I use it every day

This is perfect for randomly selecting students to answer questions, play games, take turns, etc. Uploading classes from a spreadsheet saved my life today! It’s a great feature.

5 years ago, Stphn1825

Updates are awesome!

I have used this app in the past with third grade. I decided to try it again with fifth grade. I am amazed at the partner and group options! I love using these! I have used this app every day this week.

6 years ago, vinc3

Please include a better iPad interface

The import function is easy with multiple classes and it works well. The only issue I have is that I use this on a 12.9” iPad and it doesn’t support split screen or even landscape mode. I’d love to have this on 1/3 of the screen while I have another app open as well.

4 years ago, Myre Link

Wow!

Seriously, whoever made this app is a genius! I’m loving the Tournament feature due to its ease of use and unbelievable convenience that can be used in any setting. I don’t usually write reviews but this app is simply amazing!

5 years ago, dgos

AMAZING!

This is a teaching MIRACLE! 🤩 It is so intuitive to set up and easy to learn! Today is Saturday, and I hate to admit it, but I kinda wish it was Monday so I could use it with my classes instead of just listening to Siri call my kidlets names! 😂

5 years ago, Amy8771

Just ok

The concept is great, but I don’t think the app is very easy to use. So much switching between classes to create groups, and I am constantly clicking back and forth to that screen where you choose the number of groups! Could be great, but needs some work.

6 years ago, whywillnothing work

Deceiving

Good app, but it’s deceiving. States free, but only gives you a few Random groups. After that they force you to purchase in order to keep using.

5 years ago, Ttrant

No way to prevent absent students from being called

I use the app to take roll using the scored discussion component and wish that there was a way to mark a student as absent and not have absent students be randomly selected.

3 years ago, RCARAD

Great customer service.

Useful and fun app. Developer was very responsive in helping troubleshoot a .csv file import question. Thanks!

7 years ago, ScholarMom

Deceptive

Beware: you have to keep paying for things in an unexpected way. Also, the Group Discussion part does not work well. If you make a mistake, there is no way to change it. I had a rubric of 4/4, and I accidentally put input for the same student twice. Her grade promptly became 8/8. I could not change it, could not go back and start over, nothing. Very disappointed, and wish I had not spent what I've already spent on this. It's a great idea, and I understand why a couple of reviewers gave high marks. However, I can assure you that they did not use the app long before they wrote the review.

1 year ago, PDX Antiques

Cash Grab

I literally had gotten no actual use out of this app, but it has potential. So I put it to the test the first time, and bam, it refuses to create random groups until I pay it. I’ve got 11 girls learning soccer who need to be grouped and this app is extorting me in my minute of need. Cannot be trusted.

6 years ago, deepstate123

Deceptive

It says nowhere in the description that you are limited or it is a “trial” period, then you have to fork out $5.

5 years ago, #jcale

Feature Request

This app really needs to support Slide Over and/or Side-by-Side apps. I use goodnotes to teach with and I’m always in landscape mode. This would help my workflow tremendously.

5 years ago, Debeta12

Great classroom tool!

The app works wonderfully and is easy to use once you get used to it.

5 years ago, BBBReview

Awesome

Great app to randomize groups / select students. I like using it for the multiple classes I have.

2 years ago, smllznm

No need for pronouns.

No need for pronouns. Otherwise very useful

4 weeks ago, SS Teacher II

Problem deleting

Would be a great app if I could figure out how to delete the students that leave my class. If someone knows, please advise. Thanks

5 years ago, D.T?

Overall great app

Great app. I love using this in class. However, I wish I could rotate my iPad to use this app while laying horizontally.

6 years ago, jekalzn

Classes

You don’t let us have more than one class. Why should we have to pay to make a list. Starting to think about just using the notes app.

5 years ago, Mimi3217

Love it but....

I wish there was a way to Mark students absent so they’re not “pulled” for that days activities.

6 years ago, Cambric

Free version now disabled

I don’t need extra features, just random name selection, but I’m no longer able to use the free app for this. It just keeps offering the paid version when I try to start a list of names.

5 years ago, WritingTeacher

Why doesn't the iPad version communicate with phone version?

I just spent $5.99 on unlimited for iPad but none of this registers on my phone. It is essential I can use either in my classroom. Help!

4 years ago, Malacastre

Crashes when picking a student

Every time I try to pick a random student or get a random list, the app crashes. I downloaded this and purchased the in-app upgrade, and this app doesn’t perform its basic function. Not cool, Neil.

4 years ago, Aarcal

Works well

The app works as it says it does!

6 years ago, arno5ld

CATE Secondary Teacher

Awesome tool creates awesome student engagement best 5 bucks I’ve spent all year!

6 years ago, Cowboys r 1

Good App for the price

Good app for the price. The speaker option is not working. I wish that can be fixed.

Description

Popsicle Sticks: Teacher Picks replaces your mug of popsicle sticks. Use it to randomly select and group students, to pick random numbers and simulate dice rolls, to score responses during discussions, to create classroom tournaments, and to energize your daily roll call! Its features include: RANDOM SELECT Select students randomly one student at a time. Use the "Random Bar" slider to precisely set the "randomness" of the next selection; from "uncalled students only" to "completely random" (and everywhere in-between). And although your students may not always love being selected, they will love listening to Siri say their name! (But rest assured, there is a "Mute" button for text-only selections.) RANDOM GROUPS Put students into random groups with just a couple taps. If the groups need a little tweaking, you can "swap" students with the Swap button. Easily view the "jigsaw" version of any random grouping, or create "round-robin pairings" for multi-day partner activities. Utilize the Share button to export a grouping (onto a white board, for example). RANDOM LIST Random List displays your class list in random order. Need a better system for picking the next student to take down the attendance, or to choose a birthday donut? Random List is the answer. Create, save, and export random lists for just about anything. GRADE CALCULATOR Utilize Grade Calculator to quickly determine final grades for test, quizzes, and other assignments. Calculate percentages and determine letter grades for a traditional grading system, or point averages and average performance levels for a rubric-based system. You can customize the output to include halves and/or thirds as well as extra credit points. MENTL Play Mentl with your students to improve their mental math skills. Utilizing a set of randomly generated digits, students build math equations equal to numbers on a Bingo board. Brain Bingo! DIGITAL DABBLE For each round of Digital Dabble, Popsicle Sticks generates a random set of digits (from a dice roll) and a target number. The challenge for your students is to use the digits to make an equation equal to the Target Number. Think digital! RAD ROLL CALL Invigorate your daily attendance with Rad Roll Call! Start each day by choosing one of over 200 Rad Roll Call questions. Students confirm they are present by responding to the question. Their answers (as well as the day's attendance) are saved and used for the Roll Call Recall game, where students earn points for remembering their classmates' responses. TOURNAMENT BUILDER With just a few taps, create a class tournament for almost any game (educational or otherwise). You can set it up for students to compete individually or in teams. You control the composition of the teams and the number of games. Choose from round-robin, single-elimination, or "quick-tournament." Record game results with a single tap. Popsicle Sticks will keep track of the standings, and, if you'd like, automatically slot the best players (or teams) into an end-of-tournament playoff! May the best student win! SCORED DISCUSSION Use Scored Discussion to track student responses during discussions. Just tap on a score as students give answers. Popsicle Sticks will display a running total for each student and automatically save the scores for future discussions. You can select students randomly (of course) or manually (by just tapping on a name). Save multiple discussions for various subjects, and easily export the scores to Excel or another application. With this free version of Popsicle Sticks: Teacher Picks, you can input one class, randomly select up to 500 students, create 10 random lists, 5 random groupings, 5 scored discussions, 5 tournaments, and 5 Rad Roll Calls. If you find it helpful, you can upgrade to the full version, Popsicle Sticks Unlimited. With Popsicle Sticks Unlimited you'll get unlimited access to all the features. Use Popsicle Sticks: Teacher Picks as a student picker, grouper, scorer, and gamer!