Classroom Games for 1st Grade????

[koreylea9]

Hello Everybody!!! I am wondering if anyone has any ideas for filler games for first grade. Anything educational or otherwise would be greatly appreciated. I am a student teacher so this is all new to me. I am interested in anything, even advice, anyone wants to share...good or bad. Thanks in advance

[teach1027]

Around the world is great with addition facts or spelling words.

[Boxcar]

I've done tic-tac-toe, MASH, and Hangman.

[Boxcar]

Doors and Windows is good too.

[Brit]

what is Doors and Windows?

[Jana Kay]

The "Quiet Game" and "I Spy" are super easy to play on a moment's notice.

[David Brown]

The game Remote Control (http://www.richgamesforlearning.com/games/snapshots/remotecontrol.html) is lots of fun, good for listening skills and movement.:)

[Professor W.]

What about the good game of "Telephone" where the teacher whispers a message into one student's ear and it is passed from student to student in whispers. If a student doesn't hear it or is unsure of the message they say "Operator" out loud so the student telling the message restates it. Of course, you have to cup your hands to the person's ear when whispering. Most of the time, by the time the last student gets the message it has been changed and makes no sense. Funny! However, this does teach kids the value of whisper talk and paying attention. Be sure to start in different parts of the room each time and also end in different areas. Call on both the first and last student to compare the message. I loved this in 1st grade.

[veg387]

The great thing about first grade is that the students will believe whatever you tell them to believe. Obviously, this could be abused, but I'm sure no one here would do that. My point is that you can do something very simple, and EDUCATIONAL, and they will have fun if you "sell" it.

For example, I've seen my principal do this, and I just crack up. First, he tells them that it will be the best game that "they've ever played in their lives," and then he proceeds to explain the rules. He writes about 10 addition/subtraction facts on the board, and tells students that they will all stand behind their desks and recite the math facts as then (1) run in place, (2) jump and spin, carefully, or (3) hop on one foot. He also keeps up a very high level of energy and excitement on his part, and they go crazy for this game!

[David Brown]

Hey I like your idea Veg387, especially the part about telling the kids it's the best game they'll ever play:laugh:

Heads and tails is a good one too, where you flip two coins and they guess if it will land on 2 heads, 2 tails or a head and a tail. They show guesses by putting two hand on their head, two hands on their sides (Tails) or 1 hand on their head and another on their side (Head and a tail)

[theduke]

These are all great games and ideas...thank you for sharing. I like to use math games for rainy day recess. I use a file from the positive engagement project that is filled with different math games. Not all of them are set up for primary grades, but they do have a nice selection. I play them at home with my kids just for fun and they really like playing. I suggest the card sort activities, place value number battle, reading minds, addition toss up, flip out, and the memory games (3 or 4 of them).