Fun and Games for Learning in the Second Grade Classroom

We all know that research supports the use of educational games to enhance learning. The FUN FACTOR that games provide can't be beat! Maybe you have been thinking about making your learning activities more game-based, but are wondering where to start or how to fit them into your already busy day. Here are some great new ideas to put into action!

Why is using games in the classroom a best practice strategy? 

This quote from the book Growing Dendrites pretty much sums it up:

Games are not only perfect for raising the level of feel good-amines in the brain, but also, in the correct amounts, games can increase cognition and working memory. (Jensen, 2007)

Fun and Games in Our Room

This game of Blink is a favorite in our classroom. It is great for identifying attributes like shape, amount and color. Since it is a race-to-be-the-first-out game, it is also helping some of my students with visual discrimination and processing speed.

 My class really enjoys dice games in math.

I picked up these nifty little dice-in-dice at Lakeshore Learning. 

A game that was recommended in the book is similar to what we play with I Have, Who Has! 

My kiddos think this place value set is so much fun! 

They have to be good listeners and thinkers during this type of activity!

Card games are perfect for practicing math skills too.

This set includes a zero which is important in math.

In case you missed it, you can find the card set here.

 

You may be thinking that adding more games to your classroom will mean lots of extra work or spending some cash, but there are many games that can be played with things you already have like a deck of cards, index cards, or a Nerf ball. 

Here are some other easy suggestions from the book:

• Toss a ball. The student that catches it must answer a review question.  They receive 1 point for catching the ball and two points for a correct response.
• Create a vocabulary and definition game of memory on index cards. 
• Play Charades and act out vocabulary words.
• Play Pictionary and draw vocabulary concepts instead.

How can you work in time for games?

With so much to teach, it is easy to run out of time to work in a game. Consider scheduling a block of time on Fun Fridays for your game rotations. It is one way you can be sure that game time is a top priority!

Don't forget about the importance of games just for fun during inside recess time. They are great for learning how to be a good sport and how to work cooperatively. 

The top pick in my room is Mouse Trap!

 But... my students don't actually play the game, they just build the contraption and watch the steely marble go, just like I did when I was seven!!!