There are many times during the school year, when students can’t go outside for recess. These are some fun games that a teacher can use, to help past the time with the children. They require little or no equipment. They also focus on keeping the children in their desk and in a quiet mode of play.
Seven Up; Is a quiet game that over the course of a few minutes can involve the entire class. Select seven students to go to the front of the classroom. The other students close their eyes and rest their head in their folded arms on the desk. The students, at the front of the class, walk among them and tap them on the head. As each student is tapped, they raise a hand. This is so they don’t get tapped twice. Once seven have been tapped, the students return to the front of the classroom. The students with the raised hands try to guess, who it was that tapped them. If they are correct, they switch places with them.
Different Class; A hall monitor takes two students out into the hallway. The class then makes a change in the classroom. Maybe they switch seats, move a piece of furniture, place something on the blackboard or move the teacher. Keep it to one item if possible. The students return and working as a team, must discover what is different. If they guess correctly, they stay up or they can be given so many points. The game continues for a set period of time.
Pencil Relay; Divide the classroom into two teams. Usually two halves of the class. Start at the back of the room. Students pass the pencil forward and backward, until everyone on their team has passed the pencil. The first team to get it back to the starter wins. You can substitute a shoe from each student and do this relay, too. the only difference is that the student must put the shoe back on their feet before another shoe is passed.
Paper Wad Throw or Hot Potato Throw; Divide the classroom into two sides. Each student makes a paper wad. On the teachers signal, the paper wads are thrown back and forth quickly. When the teacher calls “Stop”, the wads are counted. The team with the least amount wins. Use two wads per student, if you want. The idea is to throw the wads where the students aren’t. Students are permitted to get up and retrieve and throw a wad. However, they must stay on their own side of the room.
Balloon Volleyball; Tie a string through the center of the room. Divide the classroom into two teams. Using a heavy duty balloon, hit it back and forth. Students must stay in their desks. A point is scored, when a balloon lands on the floor, goes under the net or lands out of bounds. Their are no servers in this game. The teacher controls play by putting the balloon into play. Use your chalkboard to keep score. Always have a balloon ready, in case one pops. Make specific boundary lines.
I have used these games several times in the years that I taught. It is a great way to finish a day or to substitute for recess outside,
