Get In The Game! 5 Game-Based Activity Ideas To Try

There are several benefits to game-based learning for students in the classroom. Games foster social and emotional learning, collaboration, motivation, healthy risk-taking, confidence, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Games can also build a positive classroom community, reinforce learning, promote good sportsmanship, and increase memory while reducing stress and encouraging teamwork. Plus, games are just fun!

1. Card Calculations. Use Flip Out to create authentic opportunities to demonstrate understanding of specific concepts. For example, you can create math games with digital playing cards to practice and strengthen math operations with Flip Out and randomized task cards. Try it now.
2. Number Connections. Adapt a traditional word search in an individual Handout or collaborative Workspace by adding infinitely cloned objects that students can use to create math equations. Students can drag the correct math operations symbol horizontally, vertically, or diagonally to connect numbers into problems and solutions. Try it now.
3. What’s The Rule? Provide students with multiple examples of an equation that can represent the same solution. Ask students to solve the equation and find the solution in order to match up their responses to the correct category in a Match ‘Em Up! activity. Try it now.
4. Defending It My Way. Increase critical thinking skills with student-led discussions. Students justify their thinking and bring the group to a consensus by ranking topics, concepts, or characteristics. This rigorous Rank Order activity challenges students’ position on a concept as they verbally articulate their thinking to defend it. Try it now.
5. Now I See It. Students analyze a visual to create real-world responses demonstrating their understanding of key concepts and learning. Label Reveal allows for student selection of tasks, opportunities to make predictions, and options for students to communicate learning. Try it now.