Random name picker for the classroom
Paste your class list and press Pick a name. Nobody is picked twice until you start again, the names already picked stay listed, and the name shows large enough to read from the back of the room. Free, with no signup.
Press Pick a name.
Everything you type stays in this browser. Nothing is sent anywhere, and no names go into links.
How to use it
- Paste your class list into the box, one name per line. It's kept in this browser for next time.
- Press Pick a name, or Enter. The name shows large and is read out to screen readers.
- Leave Don't pick the same name twice ticked to go round the whole class; untick it for a fully random pick each time.
- Press Start again when everyone has had a turn, and Fullscreen to show it on the board.
When to pick a name at random
- Cold calling: ask the question, give thinking time, then pick, so everyone prepares an answer.
- Fair turns: jobs like handing out books or leading the line, without anyone feeling left out.
- Mini-whiteboard checks: pick two or three names to explain their answer.
- Presentations: decide the order of talks fairly, on the day.
- Reading aloud: pick who reads the next paragraph.
- Plenary questions: pick a name, and they choose a question from the board.
- Class quiz captains: pick the captains, then make the teams with the team maker.
Questions teachers ask
Does it stop the same name being picked twice?
Yes. With Don't pick the same name twice ticked, each name is picked once until you press Start again.
Is my class list saved?
Yes, in this browser only, so it's there next lesson. It's never sent to us or anyone else.
Can I see who has been picked?
Yes. The Picked so far list shows every name in the order they came up.
Is it free?
Yes, free with no signup.
Can I use it without a mouse?
Yes. Every button works with the keyboard, and the picked name is announced to screen readers.
Make it a game
Your class list can become a game too: a word search of everyone's names on the first day, or a wheel. And for team quizzes, Team board keeps every team's score.
Turn your lists into games
Type a list once and play it as a word search, a quiz or a team game, or print it. Free, with no student accounts.