Physical classroom games

Physical classroom games can help create a dynamic approach to learning by engaging students in active and hands-on experiences. These games not only break the monotony of traditional learning methods but also promote teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, and physical activity. The following are some physical classroom games from which you can select.

# Scavenger Hunt

It is a classic game that can be adapted for educational purposes. Teachers can design scavenger hunts that require students to search for specific information or objects related to a lesson.

Learning Objectives: Promote critical thinking and research skills and reinforce lesson content in a fun and active way.

Instructions: Create a list of clues or questions related to the lesson. Hide the answers or required objects around the classroom or school. Students search for answers or objects based on given clues. The first student or team to find all the answers wins.

# Four Corners

Four Corners can be a fun and inclusive way to promote teamwork. Indeed, this cooperative game not only makes learning enjoyable but also fosters a sense of community and teamwork among students, enhancing their overall educational experience.

Learning objectives: Encourage collaboration, active listening, and respectful dialogue among students while promoting critical thinking skills.

Instruction: Divide the classroom into four corners, each representing a different answer or option. Then, pose a question or a statement, and students move to the corner that represents their chosen answer. Then, they discuss their thinking and rationale with their fellow classmates in that corner.

# Memory game

Memory game, also known as Concentration or Match, is a popular educational game that helps improve memory and cognitive skills in children. It is a fun and engaging activity that can be played in the classroom setting.

Learning Objectives: Improve memory retention and concentration, and reinforce knowledge or vocabulary.

Instructions: Prepare a set of matching cards with terms, definitions, or images related to the subject. Shuffle the cards and arrange them face-down on a table. Students take turns flipping two cards to find a match. If they find a match, they keep the cards and receive another turn. The player with the most matches at the end wins the game.

Variations: Memory games can be tailored to different age groups and disciplines. For younger children, cards have pictures, shapes, or colors. For older students, they may contain words, mathematical equations, or historical events. Additionally, the grid can be made larger or smaller, and the number of cards can vary depending on complexity.

# Pictionary

It is a popular party game that combines drawing with guessing. It was invented by Robert Angel in 1985 and has since become a classic game for people of all ages.

Learning Objectives: Enhance creativity, communication skills, and reinforcement of vocabulary or concepts.

Instructions: Divide students into teams. Each team takes turns selecting a word or concept related to the subject and drawing it on a whiteboard or using a drawing app. Team members must guess the word within a time limit. Points are awarded for correct guesses.

# Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

This is a popular television game that has been adapted into a classroom game to engage students in a fun and interactive manner.

Learning Objectives: Reinforce knowledge across various subjects.

Instruction: Create a series of multiple-choice questions with increasing difficulty levels. Assign point values for each question. Students select their answer, and if correct, move up the point ladder. Students can use lifelines to assist them in answering difficult questions, such as asking the audience, phoning friends, and 50:50 (eliminating two incorrect answers from the options).

# Storytelling relay

Storytelling Relay is an interesting storytelling game in which you use a list of story prompts or sentence starters written on small cards or slips of paper to encourage students to create narratives or scenarios.

Learning Objectives: To encourage creativity, teamwork, and storytelling skills among students.

Instructions: Split the class into groups of 3-5 students and create a list of story prompts or sentence starters, which could be simple or curriculum-related. Write each on separate cards or paper slips, ensuring each group receives the same set of prompts.

Teams take turns telling a collaborative story, each adding one sentence (e.g., 2-3 minutes per turn). Start by giving the first team a prompt card. The first student starts the story with the prompt and then stops when the timer ends.

Pass the prompt card to the next team. They continue the story, and the rotation continues until all teams have contributed multiple times. Each team reads their finished story. Discuss the narratives and celebrate creativity.

Variations

Increase the game’s difficulty by using prompts related to topics or themes, connecting the storytelling to the curriculum. For older students, add constraints like a literary style (e.g. fantasy, mystery) or include certain words in their sentences.

Game-based learning platforms

Game-based learning platforms combine technology and curricula, creating a dynamic and interactive environment for students to learn and grow. They offer a wide range of educational games and activities that align with the various subjects and grades. Some examples of popular game-based learning platforms are listed below:

# Kahoot

Kahoot is a widely recognized form of game-based learning that brings fun and participation to the classroom. With its interactive quizzes and multiplayer functionality, students can compete against each other in real-time, making learning a more interactive experience. Teachers can create and customize quizzes on any topic, allowing them to test their knowledge when they have a blast.

Learning Objectives: Assess understanding of particular principles, promote students’ engagement, and inspire lively participation.

Instructions: Create a Kahoot quiz by adding a couple of choice questions. Provide students with game code, and they could be part of the game using their smartphones or computer systems.

Students select their solutions from the options furnished, and points are provided primarily based on accuracy and speed.

# Quizlet

Quizlet offers learning tools and games that enable students to enjoy learning. The platform allows teachers to create digital flashcards, quizzes, and matching games to help students review and reinforce their understanding of various topics. With its extensive library of user-generated content, Quizlet provides a diverse range of study materials that students can explore.

Learning objectives: Vocabulary building, reinforcing concepts’ understanding, promoting collaboration, and test preparation.

Instruction: You need to first define your learning objective to use the game. Then, customize the Quizlet sets according to the learning objectives. Incorporate a variety of activities, such as flashcards and games, to keep students engaged and motivated, and use the tracking features to monitor students’ progress and identify areas needing additional support.

# Classcraft

Classcraft combines the elements of games and classroom design to create an immersive learning experience. On this platform, students take on the roles of different characters and work together to accomplish quests and overcome challenges. By earning experience points and leveling up, students are motivated to actively participate in the classroom, collaborate with their peers, and develop critical skills.

Learning objectives: Encourage positive behaviour, teamwork, and responsibility among students and enhance students’ engagement and motivation.

Instruction: Create a Classcraft account, set up your classroom, and customize the game’s rules and characters. Then, have students create their own in-game characters, choosing from various classes, such as warriors, mages, or healers.

Award points, powers, and penalties for students based on their behavior and academic performance. Classcraft’s tracking features can also be used to monitor current progress, including their experience points and achievements.

# Prodigy

Prodigy combines mathematical learning with a fantasy-based role-playing game.

Students create their own characters, explore along the way, fight monsters, and solve mathematical problems. By successfully completing challenges, students earn rewards and progress in the game, making learning math fun and exciting.

Learning objectives: Help students master key math concepts and skills, allowing for personalized learning experiences. Foster student engagement and motivation.

Instruction: After creating a Prodigy account for the classroom and setting up student profiles, each student is assigned an appropriate grade or skill level. Explain to them how it will be used for Math practice, then assign math problems and activities that align with your curriculum and learning objectives.

This games-based learning platform can also help you monitor progress over time, besides allowing students to progress through Prodigy’s curriculum at their own pace.

Strategies for maximizing engagement during gameplay

When it comes to maximizing engagement during gameplay in the classroom, there are strategies that not only make the games more enjoyable but also enhance the educational value they offer. These include:

• Choose games that are aligned with the learning objectives.
• Provide clear instructions and objectives for students.
• Incorporate elements of competition into the gameplay by using for instance timed challenges or team-based competitions.
• Provide tangible and intangible incentives to motivate students.
• Encourage students to work together, solve problems collectively, and communicate effectively.
• Integrate both formative and summative assessment into the game-based learning environment to foster a sense of competition, collaboration, and motivation among students.
• Track student progress and performance by using digital platforms, educational apps, quizzes, puzzles, observation, and one-on-one discussions.

 

Incorporating classroom games can really transform the learning experience for students. These interactive activities not only make learning fun, but also develop collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Whether you opt for physical, interactive digital platforms or you want to design your own classroom game, there are countless options available to nurture students’ curiosity, creativity, and love for learning.

So, remember, learning is not just about lessons and homework – it can be a playful and exciting journey too!