I have never underestimated anything more than the effect of games in the classroom.
As a teacher, it can be easy to plan lessons around your textbook day after day. The information you need to teach is right in front of you. It feels like the work has been done for you.
As teachers, though, I am sure we can all picture exactly what our students' faces will look like when we take this approach. Students will be staring off into space, slowly slouching in their seats, and fiddling with their school supplies to give themselves some form of entertainment.
Then you become frustrated because they need to know this information and you know you will have to reteach it again before the test. You start to feel like you are wasting your time.
Implementing Games
Now picture this: Your students are excited to interact with the learning material. They can hardly wait to be called on and are so eager to share their answers. They are disappointed when it is time to wrap up the lesson. At the end of class, you hear them talking about how they want to keep practicing at home.
This is the type of learning environment that classroom games can cultivate.
Gamifying the learning process can increase student motivation and engagement. I incorporate game strategies in my classroom that I remember loving when I was a student.
For example, when I was in third grade, my teacher would use a Jeopardy style review game to help us prepare for tests. I now use Jeopardy Labs, a free site, to generate my own Jeopardy game boards.
I have also found that it can be beneficial from a teacher's perspective to facilitate educational games. Observing students as they play games can give insight into what students have learned, or may still need practice with.
Classroom Community
When students play a game, it is important to always make sure they understand the rules. I also recommend having a discussion about displaying positivity.
As a class, we brainstorm how to handle winning without bragging, share kind words that can be said to opponents, and talk about managing our feelings throughout a game. I emphasize that we are playing the game to learn, not to be declared winners or losers.
It is also important to teach students what it means to be a good teammate. Young students may have little experience with playing on a team. We discuss ways to make sure all teammates are included throughout the entire game.
I love to record these ideas on an anchor chart and reuse it throughout the school year. We can always add new ideas, and it is a great reminder of how to play peacefully while still having fun.
Crack the Code
Next week, my students will play the digital math game below to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
In this Google Slides game, a tricky leprechaun has stolen the pot of gold from the end of the rainbow. To return the gold, they must solve his riddle. They will answer math problems and if they are correct, they will earn a clue which will help them solve the riddle.
Students will work in small groups of three. I make sure to explain that each person must record the answer on their own sheet of paper. Each person in the group should also have a turn to speak before an answer is selected.
Because groups will be working at different paces, it is also crucial to set the expectation that we will not be shouting out answers, as it can ruin the fun for other groups.
And of course, the game is not a race. Even though we've had that conversation before, a reminder cannot hurt!
Have Fun
Don't forget that you can have fun too!
Have there been times where we've needed to pause the game and review expectations? Yes. Have students needed to stop and take a break? Of course.
These are learning experiences that will help students in future situations inside and outside the classroom.
When a game is flowing smoothly, take a look around the room and enjoy it! You and your students have worked hard to make that happen.
What games do you love to incorporate in your classroom? Leave a comment letting me know!