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.
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Communication-themed Class Rec Game Collection (81–90)
A command game popular with both children and adults
It’s a fast-paced game that tests your listening skills and split-second decision-making.
The rules are very clear: if someone says, “Order: do XX,” you perform the action; but if they say only “Do XX” without the word “Order,” you must not move.
If you react by mistake, you’re out, so observation and concentration are essential.
The teacher’s feints will spark laughter across the classroom, creating a fun atmosphere.
Despite the simple rules, there’s a lot of strategy in the rhythm and timing, and it stays exciting no matter how many times you play.
Move or stay still—the instant you decide determines the winner.
Say-and-Do Game
Let me introduce a game called “Follow What’s Said/Do the Opposite.” The teacher plays the role of the leader, and the students are the participants.
When the teacher says, “Say the same, do the same: right,” the students move to the right.
If the teacher says “left,” they move to the left in the same way.
Next, if the teacher says, “Say the same, do the opposite,” then when the teacher says “right,” the students should move to the left.
If the teacher says “forward,” they should move backward.
As you play, your brain might get confused and you may not be sure how to move.
Stay calm, think it through, and give it a try.
It’s also fun to speed it up as you go!
Team Competition: Group Recreation Activities That Get Everyone Excited (1–10)
Angel and Devil Command Game
How about trying the TikTok-viral “Angel and Devil Command Game” at school? For those who aren’t familiar, in this game you follow commands from the angel or the devil to a rhythm.
If you fall off the beat or fail a command, you have to start over.
It gets really fun if you commit to the commands without being shy.
Birthday line
If you’re looking for a recreation activity that gets a big group excited, Birthday Line is a great pick! Participants line up in order of their birthdays—without using any words.
Since you communicate only with hands and gestures, funny misunderstandings can lead to unexpected incidents.
But those little mishaps become great stories later on.
The sense of accomplishment and togetherness when you get it right is unbeatable! And because no one speaks, people tend to be more considerate of each other, which can spark new friendships.
Give it a try with everyone and have fun!
Teleportation Game
A quick and easy “Teleportation Game” you can enjoy with just newspaper! Once you’ve made a stick for each person from newspaper, you’re ready to go.
Stand in a circle and, at the signal, catch the stick of the person next to you.
If you fail to catch it, you’re out—simple rules.
It’s great because you can start it in a flash between classes or during breaks, and it helps strengthen bonds with friends.
It’s an easy-to-play game that still gives you a big sense of accomplishment when you succeed.
Paper Tower
Paper Tower is the perfect activity for discovering the joy of working with others.
Using a limited number of sheets, teams compete to build the tallest paper tower.
During the planning time and the building phase, students will naturally communicate with their classmates.
By setting aside time for reflection afterward, they can also learn the importance of teamwork.
Push classroom desks together and have teams face off—it’s sure to get everyone excited! Teachers might also consider adding background music and cheers to boost the atmosphere.
Fruits Basket
Line up the chairs in the classroom and let’s play Fruit Basket! For Fruit Basket, first arrange the chairs in a circle with one fewer chair than the number of participants.
The “it” stands in the center, and the other participants sit on the chairs.
Divide the non-“it” participants into groups and assign each group the name of a fruit.
When the “it” says, “Apple,” the participants assigned to “apple” must stand up and move to a different chair.
At the same time, the “it” should also try to sit in a chair.
The person left without a chair becomes the next “it.” When the “it” says, “Fruit basket,” everyone must stand and move to a different chair.
As long as you have chairs, you can play with the whole class!