Games for the Classroom

Games for the classroom are a wonderful way to incorporate learning skills into your learning activities. Classroom games are not just for your younger students either. These types of activities promote engagement and are a wonderful way to facilitate learning. When I taught adult ESL learners, I regularly incorporated games for the classroom into my lessons. When you are trying to determine what games to use, follow these tips.

• Partner activities are wonderful for any age. When individuals are able to work in small groups, everyone is able to participate and more learning happens.
• Games for the classroom should be age appropriate. That means that if you are working with early childhood kids, look for games that are repetitious and have simple steps.
• Card games and board games are perfect for this younger students because they can physically move the pieces on the game board or handle the cards.
• Think about how to incorporate these type of activities into every subject area. You might want to try to create science bingo game to review before a test.
• Look for a variety of games. Some should encourage oral participation while others require written participation. Students should play different types of games.
• Make your own games. Use flash cards and manipulatives to create your version of a popular game. For example, you can play Go Fish with two sets of alphabet flash cards, or create a Foreign Language game.
• Try using a game as an assessment activity. Take anecdotal notes as the students participate. Informal assessments can provide a variety of information that you can use to help guide instruction. If there is a specific skill that the majority of students are struggling with, take that information and change your instructional approach.

These are just a couple of ideas on using games in your classroom. We would love to hear about the activities you are doing in your classroom.