Classroom games are such a fun way to keep students engaged in school! Many of them are great for specific academic skills, but sometimes just the critical thinking skills involved are worthwhile on their own. Today I want to share 13 fun classroom games that can be used at nearly any elementary grade level. Some of these are classics, but others you’ll be introduced to for the first time.
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1. Checkers
Like I said, some of the suggestions I’m going to make are simply classic. Checkers is a game that seems to be played less and less as we move toward more online games and activities. However, this classical game makes a great critical thinking activity in the elementary classroom. Click here to purchase your copy from Amazon.
2. Bananagrams
This was a game introduced to me by a former 3rd grade student. And – oh my goodness – it is so much FUN! Whether you play the game the way officially intended or simply use it to make your own words – you’re sure to have loads of fun. This can be used with your earliest learners on up through upper elementary. Click here for your own set of Bananagrams. {You have to love the banana case it comes in!}
3. Kaboom!
This is one of the engaging and fun classroom games. It’s great for centers and review. Students love it because of the element of surprise. Even the student who knows them most could lose if they go Kaboom! Marcy shares all of the details on her blog. Click here to check it out for yourself.
4. Apples to Apples Jr.
This game can get a little loud, but it’s so great for 3rd-6th grade students! Each student will take a turn being the judge, and the other students need to convince the judge why the card they chose is a good choice. Speaking, listening, and reasoning skills are all necessary. Click here to learn more!
5. Magic Square Puzzles
These engaging, hands-on games are a great way to keep students on task during math or literacy centers and during review. They also work great for early or fast finishers! I’ve been creating these puzzles since 2011, and they are a great way for students to have fun learning. You can see all of my Math Magic Square Puzzles here, English Language Arts Magic Square Puzzles here, and all of the Magic Square Puzzles here. Then use the pictures on the left-hand navigation bar to narrow down your selection by the grade you teach. Topics include addition, subtraction, exponents, multiplication, division, contractions, compound words, irregular plural nouns, and much much more!
Or you can sign up for my FREE addition Magic Square Puzzles here. There are 17 differentiated options, so you’ll find something for preschool all the way up to 6th grade!
6. Connect Four
Here’s another one of the fun classroom games that is simply classic. While not overly academic, it’s another game that will require your students to use their critical thinking muscle. It’s a great center rotation, even for upper age students. Or save it for inside recess.
7. Place Value Yahtzy
This game is a great way to practice place value, addition, and multiplication all at the same time. Third grade students on up will have fun with this free download. Click here to grab your copy now.
8. Taboo
This is a great game for vocabulary work! Since there is not a “junior” of this game, you definitely want to pull out any cards that are too difficult or inappropriate for your class. There’s an entire list of “taboo” words you can’t say while trying to get your team to say the correct way. It forces students to think outside the box and use more vocabulary. Plus it’s just loads of fun! This one can get a bit intense, so you may not want to play it during quiet center time. Click here to go get a copy today!
9. Mad Libs
You remember these from growing up, right? Students will get some great practice on their parts of speech, and they’ll enjoy giggling their way through the results! You can pick up a Mad Lib for less than $5 right here, so what do you have to lose? {This isn’t exactly a game, but it’s definitely a great quiet day activity when you want something fun – so I thought it would still fit the bill.}
10. Guess Who
Yes, you can play the board in the traditional way it comes, but it’s so much more educational if you customize it! Are you teaching the Presidents? Create pictures to go over the originals so students can practice them more! Teaching ancient civilizations? Put King Tut and other pertinent figures on the game board. You could have multiple sets for various topics in your classroom. Yes, it’s a bit of work up front – but the fact that you’ll be able to use the same fun classroom game for year is amazing! I suggest buying this Guess Who? at a second-hand store if you plan to change it, but you can also purchase a new copy of the game here.
11. Stinky Feet
This review game can be used with ANY set of questions you want for ANY subject matter. Kids will LOVE the name of the game, and you’ll love that it’s so versatile. Plus it’s super easy to set up! I can’t give you any more details than that. You’ll have to click over to Teaching in the Fast Lane to see how to play this super fun, engaging game. Click here now!
12. Scrabble Jr.
This game board starts with students at just age 5, so it’ll work in your Kindergarten classroom. Or use the other side of the board for your students to get more of a challenge and build their own words. Kids will be hooked on this classic game in no time! Click here to get your own copy today.
13. Review Games
In case the game above just don’t quite fit your needs, you’re going to love these six review games compiled by Jenn over at Upper Elementary Snapshots. Many of these fun classroom games can also be adapted to lower elementary grades, so make sure to check them out by clicking here.
Bonus #14 – all FREE downloads!
Since this post was first written I have created a lot of editable games you can find on this FREE downloads page. Click through to see the unicorn, star, ribbon, and other options you have. They’re all FREE!!!
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Phew! Those 13 fun classroom games should keep your students engaged and having a great time for quite awhile! Click here if you’re wanting to try out a FREE set of Magic Square Puzzles for grades preK-6.
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