![]() When reading about a character that feels frustrated, they can show that expression on their face. ![]() You can have students act out a situation with the phrase “Act out…” This could sound like, “Act out the way felt at the beginning of the story,” “Act out adding 2+3,” “Act out helping a classmate.” These are quick call outs by the teacher.Įxamples: When reading a poem about leaves falling and twirling, students can act out the visualization of the leaves. How to play: The teacher calls out “Show Me…” and then the word such as “Show Me a Triangle,” “Show Me the letter R,” or “Show Me something that starts with /b/ (sound)”. Preparation: List of words or phrases for students to act out. Games that are adaptable to any grade or subject 1. Get a free PDF, printable copy of this post I think these are fairly flexible structures and could be adapted to meet various age groups, but I wanted to provide examples for age groups that I knew had been successful. I encourage you to check out ALL of the ideas here so you can make a final call as to which games best fit your context. Ready to learn some game idea? I’ve organized them into three categories below: If you haven’t been exposed as much to the benefits of retrieval practice and how the brain learns, there’s so much interesting research out there especially from The Learning Scientists. These games and structures are flexible and can be done many times in many different ways without getting old. You can get a more thorough understanding of retrieval practice from this Cult of Pedagogy article/podcast here. This strengthening of pathways is done through recalling information (even just attempting to recall information) which is called retrieval practice. Quizzing is helpful for students because they need to learn to recall certain information and strengthen pathways in their brains in order to thoroughly learn the material. These games enforce academic learning because they are a method of formative assessment that is not a paper quiz. ![]() Below I am sharing only whole class games that enforce academic learning although some could be done with just a small group. When we think about games in the classroom, I think teachers often think about board games, card games, partner games for math, small group games that can be used as a station, indoor recess games, and so on. It reinforces academic concepts through retrieval practice. There are some restrictions on time which I find creates urgency and enthusiasm, but generally these are not games that will result in a heartbroken loser. The games below tend not to be competitive in a “you’re out” kind of way. These joyful moments create memories for students that also help them attach positive emotions to their learning which helps the learning stick. When leading a whole class game, students can bond as a classroom community. There are many things we can’t control in the classroom but there are several things still under our control. We want all students to feel safe, like they belong, and have fun! These are needed in the classroom, not just nice-to-have. In a previous article on student behavior, I discussed how the philosophy of Responsive Classroom asks you as the teacher to consider how we prioritize the needs of safety, belonging, and fun. It meets the need for students to have fun and to belong. For me, that’s a lot of art, creativity, and games. One of the best ways to beat burnout is to a) recognize what is within our realm of influence and focus on that and b) consider what gives us energy and do more of that. I love it when kids are laughing and learning. When testing and data seem to rule over the day-to-day life of a teacher, we need to remember what power we do have to create the classroom we want.įor me, this is one where I’m enjoying moments with my class and reminding myself why I wanted to be a teacher. Some of the systems that could be changed in order to support teachers (many of which are described in this 2021 NEA article on teacher burnout) are being doubled down vs. ![]() It seems that the general public is waking up to the fact that teachers are burned out. No matter the age of students or context you teach, there should be something here for you!īut first - let’s talk about student impact, and the direct benefit for your students (and you!) when games are incorporated into learning. Here are 24 different games and structures you can use that will infuse laughter and joy into your classroom. Looking for new ways to review learning, discuss questions, formatively assess, and be more playful with learning?
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