Games are a tried and true way to engage students. Whether teaching in-person or remotely via a live session like Zoom or Google Meets, teachers know that games, brain breaks, and icebreakers are an awesome way to get students actively involved in learning. With the ever-changing landscape of education, I thought it might be nice to compile some versatile activities that challenge students in really fun ways. Best part? These activities are very low prep and work in a variety of settings. These activities encourage students to listen, solve problems, be creative, and practice critical skills. They're designed to be easy to do with little to no prep. You can easily add one of these games to any lesson as a warm-up, closure, community building activity, or lesson extender. GAMES & ACTIVITIES ⭐How Many? Give students a category and then challenge students to see how many different things they can fit within that classification. At first students will respond with obvious ideas. However, as they brainstorm, their ideas will stretch and their creativity will grow. Students can jot their ideas down on scrap paper and earn points for each unique response when they share out. Here are some categories to get started: occupations, things that are slimy, things that roll, animal noises, articles of clothing ⭐Listen Carefully: Read a short passage out loud to students. Then, have them answer questions based on what they can remember. Make it especially fun by awarding points for every answer that students get right. You can change up this activity by reading two versions of the same story. Mix up some of the details in the second version for students to listen for. Give this activity a try with the passages in this set of FREE Brain Bursts. Add your information below and then check your inbox! ⮟⮟⮟⮟⮟⮟⮟⮟ ⭐Silly Silent Spelling: Practice spelling words in a super silly way. Explain to students that you are going to be giving them a practice spelling test (definitely NOT the real thing). Just like a typical practice test, they'll listen for the word and write it down. However, here's the catch: you're only going to silently mouth the words. Students will need to read your lips to figure out what word they will need to write down. Of course, figuring out a word from a silent cue is not easy. That's what makes this fun. Students will write down some wild guesses as they spell their way through this game. ⭐One Word: Pose a fun question to the class and have them all think of a one-word answer. Then, give every student a chance to share their responses as you call on each of them. Here are some questions to get started: --- If you were a type of dessert, what would you be? --- Where do you feel happiest? --- How would a soccer ball describe its day? --- Where is somewhere that you would like to visit? --- What would be the perfect gift for you? ⭐Mystery Item: This activity is quick and easy to play. To prepare, write 5 or 6 clues about an object. Make the clues gradually increase in their specificity. Then, read the clues to students as they jot down their guesses for the mystery item until you reveal the answer. ⭐Punchline: Start telling a joke to students, and then have them guess the punchline. Find a ton of jokes for kids here. ⭐Strike a Pose: Explain to students that they are going to pretend that they are in a photograph. They will need to imagine that the photo was taken at the height of the event. All they have to do is strike a pose after you give them a situation. For instance, you might say, "haunted house," and then students would freeze in a pose that shows them frightened or terrified. Here are a few situations to try: Dentist Office, Roller Coaster, Last Day of School, Scary Movie, Food Fight, Race ⭐Timed Writing Activities: Engage students with a creative writing prompt. Then, "amp up" the fun factor by adding a timed element. Challenge students to race the clock as they write as much as they can in a fixed time period. Find my favorite prompts here. ⭐And Then...: This is a listening game for the entire class. Students will need to listen to and add to a growing story. You'll start the story with an opener like, "At the zoo, I decided to open the lion's cage, and then..." Next, you'll call on a student to explain what happened next. That student will add one line and the phrase "and then" before selecting another student to add to the story. ⭐Listen and Draw: Students love this activity! To prepare, create a simple illustration filled with shapes and designs. Then, write out the directions for students. Have students complete the activity on a piece of paper. Read each direction to students and challenge them to replicate the illustration you instructed them to draw. (These are included in the exclusive freebie below.) ⭐Class Pet: Pretend that you have a new class pet. Explain to students that they will need to guess the type of animal. Students will need to ask questions and write their guesses on a piece of paper when they think they have figured out the new class pet. ⭐Add the Ending: Engage students as they practice writing and storytelling skills with this activity. First, students will listen to the beginning of a story that you read to them. Then, they'll take over the writing and complete the story. The story starters are a fun way to motivate students to write. ⭐Alien, Tiger, and Cat: Here's an improvisational theatre game that works in the classroom. Explain to students that they can be one of three things: an alien, a cat, or a tiger. If they choose to be an alien, they need to hold their pointer fingers next to their head (like antennae) and say "bleeb, bleeb." To be a cat, they need to rub their wrist along their face (like a cat cleaning itself) and say "meow." Finally, to be a tiger they need to push their hand forward with a claw stance and roar. On your cue, every student will choose and act like an animal. The goal is to get everyone to choose the same animal (which is nearly impossible, but fun to try). ⭐Rapid Recall: Create a list of random words. Then, read the list of words to students. As you read the words, you might have students put their hands on their heads so that you know for sure that they aren't taking notes. Once you've read the words to students once or twice, wait about a minute before letting students write down every word that they remember. (Find ready-made lists in this complete resource.) ⭐Finish the Fact: Share the beginning of a fact with students. Then, challenge them to complete the fact. Have them share their guesses before revealing the complete fact. Find a collection of random facts here. Want a free set of virtual classroom activities designed to be NO PREP and NO COPIES? Just add your name and email below. ⮟⮟⮟⮟⮟⮟⮟⮟ BONUS: Here's one more idea: ⭐Paper Airplanes: Help students practice following directions by challenging them to fold a paper airplane by following your directions. To get started, choose a paper airplane design to have students fold. Then, have students take out a piece of paper. They'll need to listen carefully to each of your directions to make their paper airplane. Wishing you tons of fun in your (virtual) classroom, Mary Beth P.S. Find a TON of ready-made activities HERE.
These are easy and fun online teaching ideas that will keep your students engaged, build connections and make class more fun. You will love number 10!
The traditional classroom games that teachers are used to playing in class may not be possible while teaching online in a virtual classroom. So, we have put together a list of virtual classroom games and activities to help you out.
Virtual Classroom...what is that? Running an effective virtual classroom isn't as hard as you think. Don't worry, I'm here to help!
How to make a classroom escape room using Google Forms step-by-step guide. Create your own digital escape room with this easy to follow guide!
Get fabulous ideas and printables for fun cootie catchers that your kids will love. Great for family, classroom, homeschool, & party fun.
Attention Getters will cut out your classroom chaos and work for all grade levels. Attention getters in the classroom are the perfect solution if you are...
Here's a list of some fun and easy ideas for virtual activities that can be used during a virtual classroom meeting. There are 25 ideas listed and a brief description of each is included. I also provided some helpful links that will help you complete the virtual activities. Don't forget to leave feedback! :) TPT offers credits that can be applied to future purchases! To earn credits, simply rate and comment on the product. Follow my TPT store to get notified of new products! I offer 50% off for the first 48 hours - Follow Me Here You can also follow me on social media --> @atrailblazingteacher This product is for personal use in a single classroom only. No part of this download may be copied, sold, distributed, or edited without the permission of the author. Additional licenses may be purchased from my TPT store. Please do not post this document online; however, feel free to blog or post on social media about the use of this product as long as you credit back to my TPT store with a link. Enjoy!
Come grab this free resource that is a collection of my favorite virtual math manipulatives!
Using Google Slides and Seesaw activities for preschool, pre-k, kindergarten and 1st grade is a great way to integrate technology into education. Not to mention it's perfect when you don't want to or CAN'T print a bunch of papers. Google Slides activities and Seesaw activities are easy to send to your students and you can
Your class syllabus does not have to be boring! It can be interesting & informative. Grab a free, editable printable AND DIGITAL syllabus.
Find out why teachers should be using icebreaker activities for small groups all year long and not just at the beginning of the school year.
The 9 fun and low prep classroom team building games are the perfect addition to your class and will have your students asking for more!
A selection of fun team building activities for the classroom for teachers to use. If you have been on Think About Such Things you have probably seen my other team building posts. Even though I
Find out why teachers should be using icebreaker activities for small groups all year long and not just at the beginning of the school year.
Whether you are in remote learning or in the classroom, you can spice up learning by incorporating science songs into your classroom. If you are distance teaching, I love the idea of starting the Google Meet or Zoom session by playing one of these songs to get your students motivated and engaged for science class. ... Read more
This Detective Classroom Transformation is great for students to practice math skills while spending the day as a detective.
Too many classroom icebreakers require students to take big social risks with people they barely know. Or they don't really help students get to know each other. Or they are just plain cheesy.
Raise your hand if you feel overwhelmed by virtual teaching. I see you! (Well, mostly I see your posts in my Facebook groups. It would be creepy if I could actually see you right this very moment.) I know that you feel like you are drowning with all of the new technology, strategies, and concerns
Introduce your K-5 students to the exciting world of STEM with these engaging STEM vocabulary games! Includes four activities designed to build familiarity with essential STEM tools and concepts in a fun and interactive way. Whether you're teaching in-person, virtually, or in a hybrid setting, these
Paper Bag Dramatics: A fun activity for Team Building and Developing Community. Here's an idea that can be used just about anywhere at any time. It encourages groups to solve problems, think creatively, and work as a team.
Cute Animals Valentines Exchange Candy Grams Cards Set of 8 Printable and Editable Grab these delightful Valentines cards for school! Perfect for classrooms, gifts, and family occasions. This set of 8 comes with unique designs to please any kid. Digital download features 1 PDF with 8 Valentine cards - plus a second page for optional back printing. Choose to use the printable version for as is printing or editable to customize text! Valentines Exchange Cards for fun animal themed valentine candy gram exchange. EDITABLE TEMPLATE INCLUDED TO PERSONALIZE ALL TEXT! * ONLY TEXT IS EDITABLE * Print one sided on solid colored paper or cardstock to write a personal message on the back! Recommend printing on heavy cardstock for best quality. Download as a JPG to send digitally for a virtual Valentine! ** NOT EDITABLE ** _________________________________ Adorable Animals Classroom Valentines Exchange Cards for School or Kids Valentines WHAT YOU GET: PDF Prints 8 Per 8.5" X 11" Page PRINT & USE PDF with access to Editable Template for Valentines + 8 Per Page Template for edited Valentines **PLEASE NOTE - THIS IS A DIGITAL DOWNLOAD - NO PRODUCT WILL BE SHIPPED TO YOU** It's easy, just EDIT - PRINT - USE or use as designed with the PRINT & USE option! _________________________________ HOW IT WORKS: Place your order with Simple Desert Designs. You will gain instant access to your editable template in Canva! Click on the access link(s) on the PDF that you download with your purchase. You will be prompted to log in to Canva or create a free account. **Look for the hyperlinks (underlined) in your PDF for access to your files** Your template will automatically be placed in your Canva files! No programs to download - it's 100% web based! Then just EDIT - PRINT - USE! Remember, you are able to edit on your phone, tablet, etc. Visit our FAQ page for quick edit tips! It's easy to use and requires no special skills to edit your template! _________________________________ Easily edit on your digital device. You are purchasing access to the template sold here which will be edited in Canva, a FREE online editing program that will allow you to edit this template to be just what you want. Edit on your phone, tablet or computer. Download and print from your home computer or at another print shop. With your purchase you will receive a PDF with access codes to your templates and a "how to" video to show you how to quickly and easily use Canva. The video is rarely needed - but available if you need it. _________________________________ FILES ARE FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY - EDITABLE FILES MAY NOT BE FORWARDED, SHARED, SOLD OR DISTRIBUTED - MASS PRODUCTION, COMMERCIAL USE & FILE SHARING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Copyright 2022 Simple Desert Designs ~ All rights reserved
Beat the Teacher games are a great way to encourage positive behavior in the classroom. Here are a few digital beat the teacher versions that will allow you to incorporate these beat the teacher games into your virtual classrooms or brick-and-mortar classrooms. All Beat the Teacher games in this product are available in PowerPoint or Google Slides. The digital Beat the Teacher editions included are: Connect 4 Tic-Tac-Toe 10's Frame Tally Marks If you have another idea that you would like me to add, please email me at atrailblazingteacher.com! I also have a digital marble jar freebie available here if you are interested. Follow my TPT store to get notified of new products! I offer 50% off for the first 48 hours - Follow Me Here You can also follow me on social media --> @atrailblazingteacher I am not affiliated or associated with Google, nor do they endorse this resource. Don't forget to leave feedback! :) TPT offers credits that can be applied to future purchases! To earn credits, simply rate and comment on the product. This product is for personal use in a single classroom only. No part of this download may be copied, sold, distributed, or edited without the permission of the author. Additional licenses may be purchased from my TPT store. Please do not post this document online; however, feel free to blog or post on social media about the use of this product as long as you credit back to my TPT store with a link.
I am so excited to be writing my second blog post of the year on this wonderful blog. During my last post, you may remember that I offered ...
I absolutely LOVE teaching plate tectonics. What kid doesn’t love learning about earthquakes and volcanoes?! I’ve compiled a list of activities you can choose from to make this one of your students’ favorite units (and probably your favorite too).1. Why do Earth’s plates move in the first place? Use this demo to show students how ... Read more
Adding some fun games for reading in the classroom schedule will instantly get your kids excited to read! These 5 fun reading games are...
With my yearbook and journalism classes, I want to make sure that all of my staffers and editors feel like an equal, important part of our little classroom
These fun Friday ideas are some of my favorites and my students love them too! Why not give them a try? You won't be disappointed.
Integrating art and content in the ELA classroom. Tips and resources.
Looking for a fun activity that's FREE? Check out this ultimate list of FREE Virtual Escape rooms that are sure to challenge you while having fun.
Amusement Parks Universal Studios Orlando Resort Legoland Florida SeaWorld Orlando Walt Disney World Aquariums Aquarium of the Pacific Monterey Bay Aquarium National Aquarium Farms Farm 360 (11 different farm tours) Historic Sites Acoma Sky City in
Try these fun brain break ideas to help active kids stay focused and learn at their best like yoga, Go Noodle, and printable cards.
Looking for visuals to help your kids make sense of math? Grab this free set of printable math manipulatives for all the hands on resources your kids need.
Help Kindergarten age kids practice counting, money, letters, colors, and more with...
The 9 fun and low prep classroom team building games are the perfect addition to your class and will have your students asking for more!
The Unfair Game is a totally unfair twist on Jeopardy that your students will LOVE to hate! Learn how to play and find sample game boards in this post.
These fun and easy ice-breaker activities, intended for use with elementary students, can be used on the first day of school or any time you'd like to help your kids get to know one another better and feel more engaged. We’ve been sure to include activities for both virtual and in-person classrooms so that you can utilize them no matter your teaching setup! Keep reading to discover 32 ways to turn your classroom into a welcoming, positive community!
Rewards and incentives can be a critical component to classroom management success. They are also the perfect tool to help learners to go outside their comfort zones and learn new skills. Simply put, providing rewards and incentives encourage positive behaviors. Sometimes rewards are seen in a negat
