Fun that’s a blast solo or in groups! A collection of game ideas even first graders can do.
First graders are spending each day brimming with excitement and a few jitters as they start school for the first time, aren’t they? Games that help these new first graders deepen their communication while having fun can really put them at ease.
Passing words around to a rhythm, moving their bodies in response to sounds, jumping rubber bands together with teamwork…
In this article, we introduce fun activities ranging from ones kids can enjoy on their own to ones that bring classmates much closer together.
They’re all games first graders can start right away—and they’re sure to bring out lots of smiles!
A blast solo or in groups! A collection of play ideas even first graders can do (1–10)
Fun boredom-buster ideas for kids you can make with 100-yen store items!
Set a writeable, stick-on whiteboard into a file folder you can get at a 100-yen shop.
Next, cut a frame out of cardboard, cover it with OPP tape or similar so it can be adhered, and stick it onto the file.
I also recommend adding a lid made from a clear file to the frame—this prevents whatever you’ve stuck on from falling off or getting in the way.
Attach a pouch that can hold origami paper and washi tape, and finally add a pen.
Now you’ve got a portable boredom-buster file you can take anywhere!
Clap-Clap Game
https://www.tiktok.com/@mimasakadaigaku/video/7420761631858117896Here are six quick games you can enjoy in short spare moments: “Pat-and-Rub,” where your left and right hands do different movements; the “Rock-Paper-Scissors Game,” where the right hand always has to win; and the “Command Game,” in which you move according to a leader’s instructions, among others.
All of these can be played indoors and work for small to large groups, so everyone can have fun together.
The simple rules make them suitable for children from the early elementary grades, and it’s great that they help develop motor skills.
Because the rules are simple, you can also add variations to adjust the difficulty.
3 fingerplay activities that engage first graders
The first is the classic “after-the-fact Rock-Paper-Scissors.” The leader says “Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!” and throws rock, scissors, or paper.
Participants watch and then play after the leader, aiming to win.
The second is a game called “Pachi-Pachi.” You clap only when the leader’s hands overlap.
Adding feints makes it more exciting.
The third is a game called “How Many Fingers?” The leader quickly shows a number with their fingers, then hides their hands behind their back.
Participants answer the number the leader showed.
Bingo Relay
This is a game played on a 3×3 grid of nine squares, where the team that first places three cones in a row wins.
Place cones so they form a straight line vertically, horizontally, or diagonally.
Each team has only three cones, so from the fourth runner onward, move an already placed cone.
When switching runners, always tag to make the change.
This game requires you to instantly grasp the situation and decide your next move.
It’s also important not only to align your own team’s cones, but to block the other team from completing theirs.
Recommended for elementary school kids! 5 games that make you work up a sweat
“Touch and Dash,” “Feint Tag,” “Marker Tag,” “Math Relay,” and “Rock-Paper-Scissors Race.” All five of these active games involve running and let kids get plenty of movement even indoors.
They also include elements that exercise the mind: for example, in a relay format, players pick up a pinnie and add the number written on it, and once the total reaches 20 or more, they finish; or they use markers to cleverly lure opponents and dash through gaps.
Even children who get bored with simple movements are sure to get hooked.
Solo play you can really get into!
A handy item for enjoying a quick game at school is the math blocks.
Many schools probably purchase them in bulk for first graders.
Try a stacking game using those math blocks to see how many you can stack within a time limit.
You could also compete to see how many seconds it takes to stack 10 blocks.
Because it requires fine finger movements and focused engagement, it can also serve as practice for staying calm during lessons.
Just be careful not to lose any blocks if the stack collapses while you play.
How to Make a Block Puzzle to Strengthen Shape Skills
https://www.tiktok.com/@.vs9086/video/7484212308831472904With these easy-to-copy, one-minute activities, you can make mornings fun and smooth.
We introduce simple and entertaining games like “Janken Champion,” where you face off in rock-paper-scissors and advance by winning; “Name Toss,” where you pass a ball while calling a friend’s name; and the “Yamanote Line Game,” where players link words to a beat based on a given theme.
We also feature classics like Finger Suma, Acchi Muite Hoi, and Green Peas.
None of the ideas require any preparation, so the moment you feel like it, you can start playing right away.