Student Engagement: Games!

Who does not love to play games? Sometimes grabbing your students' attention can be a daunting task. Adding games into your lessons can be an easy means to engage your students. 

*** Jenga

 

Jenga has become a popular game in my classroom. It is easily adapted to all subject areas. I purchased the regular game and then picked 9 paint colors and paint the ends of the Jenga blocks using those colors. Create your game template.

 Now, we have a Giant Jenga in my class, and the students LOVE it. Who wouldn't!

Giant Jenga is not as easy as it looks.

Here is the link to my Teachers Pay Teachers store where you can find several Jenga games.

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Tricia-Skelton

*** Flyswatters

A fun review game is used with flyswatters. I bought enough for my class at Wal-Mart. They are sold 2 for $1. Students write on their desks with Expo markers the vocabulary words we are reviewing. I will call out the definition or use the word in a sentence. The students then swat the word. It is also fun to play with pairs. One student writes half of the words and the other student writes the other half.

It is also fun to play with pairs. One student writes half of the words and the other student writes the other half.

***Twister

Who doesn’t love Twister!?! Put vocabulary words or study guide questions on the game board or use cardstock. Use a Twister spinner when calling out the definitions or questions. I have several games going at one time. The students not playing the round watch for incorrect answers and putting knees on the carpet. They LOVE it! Expect lots of giggles. 

*** Frisbees

Students love going outside. I typically do this game outdoors, but sometimes we play in the hallway.

There are several ways you can use Frisbees. The first is to call out a word or question and the student has to give the correct definition or answer before he/she can throw it to their partner. The partner then has to use the word in a sentence or has to give more information about the question/answer.

I have also given students Expo markers to use on the Frisbee. One game is to have them write a cause on the Frisbee about a novel or reading passage. The partner then has to write an effect and throw it back. You could use this in all sorts of ways.

*** Headbands

Headband review is so much fun! I type words onto cardstock and then laminate the cards. I give each group (usually just 2 students per group) a set of cards. The first person sticks a card in the headband and gives the definition to their partner. The partner has to give the correct vocabulary word. You could also do this with study guides and reading comprehension questions.

Be sure to wash the headbands after each use.

I love to use the Minute to Win It countdown as a fun way to energize and motivate the kids. You can find it on YouTube.

*** Pictionary

Getting students excited about the content is easily done when games are incorporated. Have fun!