We’ve created this list of ideas for how to implement game adjustments that will help engage kids in an educational way. Connecting your daily lessons to play can be a great way to reinforce learning!
- Replace standard words or numbers with specific vocabulary words or simple math problems.
- Ex. When playing Four Corners you can replace the names/numbers of the corners with vocabulary words.
- Use a “Go Word” that relates to a recent lesson, and ask the students to repeat the definition of the word each time it is used. You could also ask a student to spell the Go Word each time before they start the activity.
- Ask students to complete a math equation before moving to the next activity.
- For passing games:
- Ask students to name something in a specific category with each pass.
- Spell vocabulary words, one letter per pass.
- Count up by a specific number with each pass.
- Label the object and ask the students to read it aloud before passing it to the next person.
- For character/action games:
- Switch standard game characters and/or actions for ones relating to lessons (water cycle, parts of a story, math symbols, etc).
- For games with “outs”:
- Have students complete an academic task (spell a word, complete a math problem, answer a review question) to return to a game.
Return to the Keep Playing Homepage
