LAUGH
In the words of Missy Elliot, “Flip it and reverse it.” As of late, this is exactly what students are subscribing to in our classrooms across the world. The game UNO is making a comeback. Remember the old adage, “I am rubber, you are glue. Whatever you say bounces off of me and sticks to you”? Well, the UNO reverse card is basically the same thing. During the game of UNO, a player puts down the reverse card and the direction of play changes.
While students may think they are changing the direction of anything unpleasant that comes their way, teachers THINK NOT. In fact, we may have a few cards (UNO Reverse that is) up our sleeves as well.
How are students using the UNO reverse card to turn the tables?
Homework
They are pulling out the card for homework, quizzes, seat work, or basically anything that requires any effort at all. It is often handed right back or, more likely, confiscated, eliciting laughter and slight momentary chaos.
Cell Phones
When teachers ask students to put their phones away, some students hold up a reverse card. This is basically a less disrespectful way to say, “No, YOU!” Of course, it never goes over well.
Insults
When students face insults from peers, using an “UNO Reverse” approach can effectively deflect negativity. It’s like saying, “I know you are, but what am I?”—but without needing to say a word. This lighthearted tactic redirects the insult and encourages students to stay calm.
We like it.
Now it’s our turn.
Teachers are already putting these cards on lanyards and using them as a quirky behavior management strategy.
When students repeatedly talk out of turn, blurt out questions, or engage in disruptive behavior, the teacher simply nods at the card. This gesture silently communicates, “Reverse the behavior, or there will be consequences”—all without saying a word.
It’s pure genius.
But we can’t let the fun end with the students. What if we could use these cards with our administrators and parents? How great would that be?
Administrators
- When an admin says, “Can I see you in my office after school?” just hold up the UNO Reverse card to symbolically say, “If you want to see me, you can move your lazy behind down to my classroom!”
- The admin asks you to turn in weekly lesson plans for review. A card is revealed to say, “Where the heck is your weekly plan on improving school climate?” Newsflash: Requiring lesson plan submission is not the way to do it.
- The admin returns your behavior problem from the office with a snack and a toy. Flash that UNO Reverse and send that sugar-hyped student right back to where they came from.
- Admin: “Can you cover a class on your prep?” Teacher: ***holds up an UNO Reverse, “No, you can cover it; you may learn a few things.”
Parents
- Parent at a conference: “Do you think you can tutor my son after school as he is getting behind?” Teacher: *Slaps the card down on the table and just stares at the parent.*
- Parent: Hi, I gave her some Tylenol as she had a fever, but she seems ok now. Teacher: UNO Reverse her right back into your car.
In the end, the UNO Reverse card has become more than a quirky trend—it’s a playful way for students to protest and push back without harming anyone.
Teachers, meanwhile, have embraced the reverse card as a fun and effective behavior management tool, a simple way to communicate expectations and keep things fun in the classroom.
Although we probably won’t use it with parents and admin to reverse all of their crazy requests and policies, we can still imagine the possibilities.
