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6 Great Learning Games to Fill Time

Sponge activities came about in response to teachers’ need to fill time when left with just a few minutes before transitioning. We have all faced those moments, and if you are like me, the perfect sponge activity never comes to mind. The easiest trick for me to pull out of my bag is a simple game.

Although the students never sense it, these “go to” activities actually require critical thinking, listening, and, best of all, self control. Some of the ones I’ve suggested must be played in the classroom, while others can be played almost anywhere…in the hallway while waiting for that P.E. teacher that always says you are early, or in the parking lot as you wait for the field trip bus driver to return to take you back to school. Most importantly, these are fun ways to keep your students entertained and in control.

1. Buzz

As soon as students learn their multiplication facts this is a great game which is actually entertaining for students up through high school. You first choose a target number – let’s say 4. The first student starts counting at one and then others follow. When a student reaches a multiple of 4 or a number with 4 in it, he or she must say “buzz” or they are out of the game. The pace must be fast. To advance the game, you can also require students to say “buzz” if the digits add up to the target number.

2. Going on a Picnic

This game can only be played once with a group of students because the purpose is to solve the trick. Invite the students to go on a picnic with you, but tell them that each person can only bring certain items, which are actually items that start with the same letter as the first letter of their first name. Tell them what you are going to bring and then start asking students to join you. If they happen to say something that fits the criteria, let them know that they are welcome to come, otherwise tell them that you are sorry. If no one catches on the after first round, give a few clues. “Haley you cannot bring potato chips, but you are welcome to come if you bring hamburgers.” Eventually, some will catch on and help you bring the others in on the secret.

3. Green Glass Door

This game is similar to “Going on a Picnic.” This time students can only pass through the Green Glass Door if they bring things that have a double letter in the spelling of the word. Once you have played this game, you can easily vary the rules: On the Huge Blue Plane you can only bring items that have a silent “e” in the word, the Main Suite only admits words that have homophones. Students go crazy for these and they are actually fun to try with adults.

4. 20 Questions

I love this timeless game that actually requires a great deal of critical thinking. The classic method can be played almost anywhere, but a great way to draw students into this game is to let them bring in an object. Each student gets to take home and return the “mystery box” with an item for questioning. They love the opportunity to answer the questions and show off some of their own possessions. Students will usually want to go well beyond 20 questions to solve the mystery.

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