Explore tried-and-tested games that bring energy, laughter, and real learning to any classroom.

And They Are Also Fun And Educational

If there’s one thing I’ve learned after years of teaching, it’s this: when students are having fun, they’re learning deeply — even if they don’t realise it.

Games turn classrooms into spaces of creativity, laughter, and connection.
But not every game works equally well — some end in chaos, others in silence. Over time (and after a few experiments gone wrong!), I’ve found a handful of classroom games that always work — with any age, and almost any subject.

Here are my favourites.

1. Guess the Word (Vocabulary Review)

How it works: Write several words from your current topic on sticky notes. One student sticks a note on their forehead without looking; the others give clues so they can guess the word.

Why it works:

• Students practise descriptive language, synonyms, and question forms.
• It’s fast, fun, and adaptable to any topic — animals, food, verbs, feelings…

Tip: Use it to revise before tests — laughter lowers stress and improves memory.

2. Running Dictation (Listening + Writing + Movement)

How it works: Place short sentences or a dialogue around the classroom walls.
In pairs, one student runs, reads, memorises, and returns to dictate it to their partner, who writes it down.

Why it works:

• Combines physical movement with focus and teamwork.
• Great for kinaesthetic learners.
• Helps practise spelling, grammar, and sentence structure.

Variation: Do a “quiet” version for smaller classrooms — whisper dictation or hand signals!

3. Find Someone Who… (Speaking & Communication)

How it works: Give students a grid with prompts like:

• “Find someone who has a pet.”
• “Find someone who can play an instrument.”

They must walk around asking questions until they find a match for each box.

Why it works:

• Encourages genuine communication.
• Builds confidence for shy students.
• Works perfectly at the start of the school year.

Reflection: End by asking, “What did you discover about your classmates?”

4. Classroom Jeopardy (Team Review Game)

How it works: Create a Jeopardy-style board on slides or paper. Categories can be Grammar, Vocabulary, Culture, or Fun Facts. Teams choose a question, answer, and earn points.

Why it works:

• Turns revision into excitement.
• Encourages collaboration and friendly competition.
• Students forget they’re “studying.

Pro tip: Let students create the questions — it deepens their understanding.

5. The Story Cube Challenge (Creativity + Language)

How it works: Use story cubes or picture cards. Students roll or pick 6 images, then create a story connecting them all.

Why it works:

• Builds imagination and fluency.
• Can be oral or written.
• Perfect for practising sequence connectors (first, then, suddenly…).

Extension: Make it collaborative — each student adds one sentence to a group story.

6. What’s Missing? (Memory Game)

How it works: Display 8–10 flashcards or objects. Students look for 10 seconds, then close their eyes while you remove one. They must say which one disappeared.

Why it works:

• Great for young learners.
• Reinforces vocabulary and attention skills.
• Creates instant engagement with zero preparation.

Final Thoughts

Games aren’t just “fun extras.” They’re powerful learning tools that build connection, confidence, and curiosity. Every time I see a quiet student start laughing during a game or a shy learner suddenly volunteering to participate, I’m reminded of something simple but profound:

“When learning feels like play, every child wants to join.”