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 recreation game collection (21–30)
YES/NO Quiz
A key point of “Yes/No Quiz,” where you work toward finding the answer, is that it’s a game enjoyed by splitting into a question master and questioners.
The question master chooses a topic and answers the questioners’ questions with only “Yes” or “No.” The questioners listen to the answers and try to figure out what the topic is.
To narrow down the answer, it’s important for the questioners to think carefully as they ask their questions.
It’s also a great game for team competitions, so let’s all have fun together.
Imitation shiritori
Participants face each other and stand on one leg.
Decide the order with rock-paper-scissors or similar, and the first person starts the word chain game (shiritori).
The basic rule of linking words stays the same, but after saying a word, you have to do an impression that matches it.
For example, if you say “gorilla,” you might pound your chest with your fists.
Everyone else copies the impression, and the shiritori continues.
It might sound easy, but you must stay on one leg the entire time.
If you lose your balance or can’t continue the word chain, you lose.
Communication-based Class Rec Games Collection (31–40)
Guess the person game
A recommended guessing game for deepening communication is one where participants get lively conversation going and make new discoveries about each other.
The person posing the question should first choose a very well-known person as the subject.
The respondents ask the questioner about what kind of person it might be while imagining the answer, and the questioner should reply only with “yes” or “no.” If it’s too difficult, it’s also helpful to give simple hints, such as the person’s gender or a basic characteristic.
Set a time limit, and try it as individual or team play, adjusting to the ages of the group.
Jump, everyone!
It’s a game where everyone forms a circle, holds hands, and jumps in different directions.
Jumping helps develop concentration and a sense of balance.
By moving while listening to the teacher’s instructions, children can build their listening skills and their ability to think about how to move.
When calling out, speak clearly, loudly, and energetically.
Let’s enjoy jump play together—moving our heads as we jump and trying things like hopping on one foot or jumping with both feet.
Runaway Trolley and Workers
A consensus game themed on a thought experiment proposed in 1967 by British philosopher Philippa Foot.
There are multiple workers on a railway track, and unless something is done, a major accident will occur; if you flip a switch, you sacrifice one person to save many lives.
Should you flip the switch, or leave things as they are? The key is first to consider the dilemma individually, then to reach a single conclusion as a group.
Because differences in positions and values become clear, it’s a compelling topic that sparks lively discussion.
Post-decision rock-paper-scissors according to instructions
This activity requires quick decision-making, and in response to instructions, playing “after-the-fact rock-paper-scissors” also hinges on your ability to concentrate.
The method is simple: participants march in place and play rock-paper-scissors with the instructor.
During the game, the instructor gives commands like “Lose” or “Win,” so participants must think on their feet and choose their hand accordingly.
Keeping a lively tempo makes it even more exciting.
If your response ends up opposite to the instructor’s instruction, you lose on the spot.
Give it a try!
A block puzzle you can get absorbed in
Let’s try making and playing with an original puzzle using blocks.
First, make a frame for the puzzle.
Then, create pieces out of blocks so they fit perfectly into the frame.
Since it’s original, the shape of the pieces is up to you as long as they fill the frame with no gaps.
But making these pieces is surprisingly tricky.
Think of it as brain training and have fun creating them.
This puzzle can be played solo or with friends, and since it’s made of blocks, it’s easy to carry around.
It’s perfect for when you want to focus on playing or kill a bit of time.