"Cool" Games Make Education Fun!
Did you know children can gain valuable skill sets while playing “cool” games in the classroom or even outside of it? Whether you call them drama games, transition activities, circle exercises or active learning techniques, they are all just enjoyable games you can add to your curriculum to make it just as educational as it is fun!
Here are a couple of easy, “cool” games for you to try adding to your classroom activities…
Prints in the snow: Cut out life-sized footprint stampers of wild animals, giants or friendly monsters from recycled plastic and glue or strap them to some inexpensive toilet plungers. Then, let your students take turns stamping paths in the snow and let the whole class track and follow the footsteps.
Skills Achieved: Gross Motor Skills, Social Development, Creative Expression and Appreciation of the Arts, Listening and Following Skills.
What am I Doing?: Teacher acts out (mimes) things that happen outside in the wintertime and asks children to guess what he/she is doing. Teacher may whisper an activity to a child to mime as well, until all children have had a chance to act. This is a good way to teach children the proper way to use their manners and have patience. Acting things out, as opposed to just telling children what to do, can lead to a better overall retention level of the activities.
Skills Achieved: Gross and Fine Motor Skills, Social and Emotional Development, Creative Expression and Appreciation of the Arts, Life Skills, Cognitive Development, Observation Skills and Physical Development.
Good luck and have fun with these activities. You’ll be astonished with the results you’ll get from your students! And if you’re looking for more cool games where the work is done for you, just join in on the fun!