Get the Fun Going! Easy Classroom Games You Can Play at School: Recreational Activities for the Whole Class
Here are some games and class recreation activities you can play in an elementary school classroom! There are many options, including simple games for small groups, activities the whole class can enjoy, and team competitions.
Some require equipment, but there are also plenty you can start right away.
“Shiritori” and a “Rock-Paper-Scissors Tournament” are easy to set up and really get everyone excited! Use these ideas as a reference and have fun with your friends during recess or at school events.
- Recommended for upper elementary grades! Exciting indoor recreation and games
- Fun activities for junior high school students. Recreation games.
- Recreation Ideas That Truly Excite High School Students! A Fun Collection of Activities
- [Elementary School] Quick and Easy! Indoor Recreational Activities Perfect for Lower Grades
- [Play Right Away!] Exciting Recreation Games Recommended for Elementary School Students
- A simple and fun co-op game that enhances teamwork
- Games and activities everyone can enjoy together. A collection of fun play ideas.
- Games you can play with just conversation. Classic and popular activities you can enjoy without any props!
- Indoor games and recreational activities recommended for junior high school students
- Party games that get everyone excited at school
- Indoor recreation popularity ranking
- A collection of simple indoor recreational games
- [For University Students] A Roundup of Fun Games and Recreational Activities
Collection of Communication-Class Rec Games (71–80)
Ghost Blitz!
@club_bg A brain-training game that will scramble your head!? Make split-second decisions and grab it fast!! [Ghost Blitz 2]translationtoyGhost Blitz#boardgames#toy
♪ Original Song – Board Game Club – Board Game Club
It’s a game where various pieces of different colors and types are placed on the table, and you decide whether to take one based on the card that’s revealed.
If there’s a piece matching the color shown on the card, you take it; if not, you say the corresponding correct word instead.
The key is how this corresponding word is determined—the more complex this becomes, the more there is to think about.
Since it’s a game where you have to judge and act faster than others, you get to enjoy quick reflexes and strategic interaction with the people around you.
Shiritori Dance Game
This is a game that adds a movement element to the word-linking game shiritori, making the thinking process more complex.
The rule is to express the connected words with movements as well, so words that are hard to express through movement are out—that’s the challenging part.
While traditional shiritori proceeds with names of things, since this version emphasizes movement, it might work well to play using verbs.
It could also be fun to proceed rhythmically to music, or to have everyone present perform the movement whenever a word is called out.
Team Gesture Game Competition
It’s a game where one person on the team looks at a prompt and acts it out with gestures, while the other members try to guess what it is.
It tests the team’s ability to cooperate—choosing movements that are as clear as possible and carefully observing even the small details.
Setting a time limit to push for quicker answers is also recommended; the rush to convey the idea might lead to some funny, unexpected movements.
If you gradually make the prompts more detailed and difficult, you’ll likely start to see each person’s unique style in which parts they focus on when they move.
Communication-themed Class Rec Game Collection (81–90)
It varies by region! Okinawa’s Finger-Number Game
@okinawa_channel [Yubisuma] Do the calls/chants differ by region?OkinawaTranslationJun playerNostalgic
♪ Original Song – Okinawa Channel – Okinawa Channel
It seems that Yubi-suma is a game whose name changes depending on the region in Japan.
There are versions called “Yubi-suma,” “Issē no se,” and “Ichi nī no,” among others.
Incidentally, in Okinawa some places call it “Chībaru.” Of course, even within Okinawa there are areas that say “Issē no se.” How about trying Yubi-suma using a chant from a region other than your own? It might be fun to decide which chant to use by drawing lots.
By the way, it’s said that the reason it’s called Yubi-suma is that it spread nationwide after being featured on a SMAP TV program.
Nostalgic finger guessing game!
@riana_mine Did you all do this a lot?Elementary school students in 20072007#ElementarySchoolerProblemsHeisei#Heisei Retro#Yubi-SumanumbersReady, set, go!Hand games
♬ Original Song – Riana Mine 👼🏻⛅️ – Riana Mine 👼🏻⛅️
A game whose name changes depending on the region: Yubi-suma (Thumbs Up).
It’s said that there are many region-specific calls besides Yubi-suma, too.
The rules are: make fists with both hands and hold them out in front.
Decide the order, and when it’s your turn, say a call like “Yubi-suma, one!” or “Issē no, two!” All players then raise the thumb(s) from one or both fists.
If the number of thumbs raised matches the number you called, you can pull back one of your hands.
The first person to pull back both hands wins.
In some regions, there’s even a rule that allows choosing not to raise any thumbs.
It might only be a brief moment, but waiting to see how many thumbs go up is a real nail-biter.
It’s a simple game, but kids really get into it.
Clap-Clap Game
Let me introduce the Clap-Clap Game that always gets the class excited.
The rules are simple: the leader moves both hands, and the participants watch the leader’s movements and clap their hands exactly when the leader’s hands overlap.
It’s a game where you enjoy clapping in sync with the timing.
Carefully observe the leader’s movements and match your timing.
It’s also important for the leader to be creative with their motions to make the game more exciting.
Even if someone claps at the wrong time, it turns into laughter and makes the game even more fun.
Liar Memory Introduction Game
This is a game that tests imagination and powers of observation, using personal stories from days off as the theme.
Hand out blank sheets to everyone, have them fold the paper into quarters to make four boxes, and write four summer memories—mixing in exactly one false story.
Divide into groups of 4–5 and take turns presenting your memories; the rule is that everyone works together to figure out which one is the lie.
As people laugh at the funny experiences, they also listen closely to spot the hidden falsehood.
Hearing stories about friends that you wouldn’t normally learn about can help bring the class closer together.
It’s an idea that’s sure to get everyone excited, giving both the presenters and the listeners a thrill.
