40 in 40: Game-Based Learning is Elementary on Any Device

Resource Materials:

In this section of the Resources Page you will find reference materials, tutorials and how-to information that will help you review or extend your knowledge from the presentation.

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In-the-Classroom:

Our In-the-Classroom section is where you will find ideas and examples on how to integrate the tools shared into classroom instruction.

40 in 40 (plus a few extras)

Why Use Games in the Elementary Classroom:

  • Increases young students’ memory capacity
  • Increases computer fluency
  • Encourages problem-solving skills
  • Games are fun
  • Games offer an easy way to assess learning
  • Games can help to develop eye-hand coordination
  • Engaging for students with ADD/ADHD
  • Teaches that failure is OK – perseverance
  • Teaches specific skills (typing or map skills, for example)
  • Games are more engaging than traditional Teaching
Ready to Go Games
  • Starfall (Grades PreK-3)
    • TeachersFirst Review of Starfall
    • Tips for using Starfall
      • Use with even your youngest PreK students
      • Many ways to use Starfall depending on how many devices are available
      • Don’t forget your earbuds
  • Math Games (Grades PreK-8)
    • TeachersFirst Review of Math Games
    • Tips for using Math Games
      • The activities are linked to Common Core Standards, use this to save time during lesson planning.
      • Registration is not required, but there are many benefits to joining (and it is FREE).
      • Students earn points for each activity completed. Use this to gamify the activities even more (perhaps some competitions between students or to beat individual top point earnings).
      • Remember the app versions differ slightly than the web version, preview ahead!
      • Since grade levels are very specific, be mindful if you have students working ahead or behind the site’s assigned grade levels.
  • Duolingo (Grades 1-12, very minimal reading required)
    • TeachersFirst Review of Duolingo
    • Tips for using Duolingo
      • Great site for learning world languages (approximately 30 languages are included)
      • No registration is required, but suggested, so students can keep track of progress.
      • You decide how many minutes you want to learn each day.
      • Use in world language classes
      • Use with ESL/ELL students learning English
      • Use with gifted students for enrichment
  • ABCya (Grades PreK-6)
    • TeachersFirst Review of ABCya
    • Tips for using ABCya
      • Many of the FREE games on the web versions are not available or free on the app (preview).
      • All games on the web version are free.
      • Great site for targeted practice (such as pronouns or dividing decimals).
      • Share this link on your class website for families.
  • Outwhiz (Grades K-8)
    • TeachersFirst Review of Outwhiz
    • Tips for using Outwhiz
      • Students earn points, badges, and more.
      • Registration is optional but does offer student report cards and more personalized learning options.
Create Your Own Games
  • Quizlet Live (Grades 4-12)
    • TeachersFirst Review of Quizlet Live
    • Tips for using Quizlet Live
      • View this introductory video to learn more.
      • Don’t forget to allow 3-5 minutes for students to find other members of their group.
      • This game-based learning tool requires collaboration.
      • Don’t forget that you need 4 participants to play if using it with a small group.
  • Plickers (Grades K-12)
    • TeachersFirst Review of Plickers
    • Tips for using Plickers
      • Laminate the cards to make them last longer.
      • Use a larger font with younger students.
      • Use this as a pre-assessment, exit ticket, formative assessment, and more.
      • Learn more about Plickers in this short video.
  • Quizizz (Grades K-12)
    • TeachersFirst Review of Quizizz
    • Tips for using Quizizz
      • The site has over 1,000,000 teacher-created quiz games – don’t reinvent the wheel.
      • Can be done as a class or self-paced on individual devices
  • Oodlu (Grades 2-12)
    • TeachersFirst Review of Oodlu
    • Tips for using Oodlu
      • Be sure to check out the many different types of assessment options and also feedback options.
      • Read the FREE features carefully (they are highlighted on the slide). You can also view them by scrolling about half-way down the homepage.
Cool Tools Rare Finds
  • Oh H1 (Grades K-12)
    • TeachersFirst Review of Oh H1
    • Tips for using Oh H1
      • Perfect for all reading levels
      • The grid size options allow for easy differentiation
      • Ideal tool for your early finishers
  • Tynker (Grades 3-8, App Grades PreK-8)
    • TeacherFirst Review of Tynker
    • Tips for using Tynker
      • Be sure to check out the app, they include a Tynker Junior area that would work well with students in primary grades and possibly PreK.
  • Answerables (Grades K-8)
    • TeachersFirst Review of Answerables
    • Tips for using Answerables
      • Start with this introductory video to learn more about Answerables.
      • Combine your learning management system with game-based learning.
      • This one has a slightly higher learning curve, but once you have it set-up – it is worth the time!
  • TinyTap (Grades K-12)
    • TeachersFirst Review of TinyTap
    • Tips for using TinyTap
      • Learn more at this quick tutorial video.
      • Most games are free, but a few are created by professional authors and are not free (it is listed on the site).
      • The free version does allow public comments. At this time, there was nothing inappropriate – but as always, previewing is best!

Gamify Classroom Management

  • ClassDojo (Grades K-8 – tools could be used by all grades)
    • TeachersFirst Review of ClassDojo
    • Tips for using ClassDojo
      • Remember that ClassDojo falls under the FERPA laws for directory information and educational records.
      • Don’t miss the many tools they have available: Classroom Music, Random Group Generator, Classroom Noise Monitor, and others.
  • Class123 (Grades K-6 – tools could be used by all grades)
    • TeachersFirst Review of Class123
    • Tips for using Class123
      • If Class123 is new to you, view this video to learn about the many free features.
      • Remember that Class123 falls under the FERPA laws for directory information and educational records.
      • This one also has some excellent tools: Seating Chart, Virtual Chalkboard, Random Name Picker, Timer, and more.
Management Tips for using Game-Based Learning with Elementary Students
  • Train student experts to help others in need when you aren’t available. Identify them with a lanyard or nametag of some sort. This is a great way to boost the confidence of your student experts.
  • Solo Cup Management – put cups on the tables or desks.
    • Blue is A-OK
    • Yellow needs help when you can
    • Red needs a teacher or student expert ASAP
  • Sandbox time – give students time to explore the tool before you begin and expect their full attention.
  • Create a Game-Based Learning Tech Toolbox and introduce a new gaming tool each year during the elementary grades. By the end of the elementary school years – the students are MASTERS at 6 cool tools. Start with one of the easier tools, like ABCya. For first grade, add in Kahoot. Keep adding a new tool each year.
  • Share web tools and apps on your class website for parents and families to explore together.
Don’t miss our complete list of Device Agnostic Tools (DATS), a dream for any BYOD classroom. 

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