Students sit in teams of four and number off. A number is randomly called and that student from each team stands up. The remaining three teammates remain seated but raise their hands.

The teacher calls, “Stray.” Standing students stray to a team that has their hands up. Teams lower their hands when a new member joins them.

Students work in their new teams to share or gather information. As an option, students may return to their original teams to share what they learned when they strayed. 

Variation – Random Teams

Three rounds of One Stray can be used to create random teams: A different number is called each round, and students may not join a team where one of their original teammates is seated.