Games in the classroom

In the classroom or online, always games

We know that kids learn through play, and in the classroom, games make learning something fun and irresistible. Games make students more motivated to learn and participate in class activities, especially when the playful part is integrated into the learning. Games also make it easier for them to pay attention after the activity has ended. Educational games can potentially absorb students and help to improve their critical thinking and creativity, as well as teach them social skills.

From connecting kids to the content in various ways to providing reward and motivation, we know there are multiple benefits to learning games. They are perfect for different learning styles, and many of them can be adapted to be used in the classroom or online with similar results.

One of my students’ favorites is BINGO, either in the classroom or online. They also love memory games such as WHAT’S MISSING? where they have to identify which picture or word has been deleted from a given set.

Games in the classroom

There is always a game suitable for what we are teaching, or you can adapt one for math, reading, science, or any other area. Simply changing a lesson into a game makes kids more receptive to learning, creates a positive environment, and offers the opportunity of a shared learning experience.

Games in the classroom are about learning how to work together as a team, taking turns, listening to others, and playing fairly. They are also about learning from what goes wrong, which gives students both problem-solving development and social-emotional benefits.

And very importantly, according to research, games reduce the gap between quicker and slower learners!

Online games

Many educators think that online learning is not as effective as classroom-based learning. However, when we teach using games, we can get similar, if not more, advantages in our students’ learning.

Online video games can supplement classroom teaching or homework. They are visual, hands-on, and perfect for developing strategy and problem-solving skills. Research has found that they can help those with attention disorders. Some types of games can help improve children’s short and long-term memory.

The best part is that games are incredibly flexible and can be adapted to any content area and any context. Whether in the classroom or online, playing games is an essential part of the learning process.