Large indoor group activities have many benefits for students in elementary school.
Many elementary schools encourage large group activities anticipating the benefits for students will be substantial. Younger elementary school students (pre-k and first grade) learn share and take turns during group activities. Students in the upper grades(second grade through fifth grade) improve relationships with classmates, especially those from diverse backgrounds, increase social interaction, and gain a greater liking for the school environment. Educators can lead large group indoor activities to engage all students in this beneficial process.
Sparkle Spelling Game
Sparkle is a spelling game ideal for a large group of students. Arrange students in a circle or a line, whichever space allows for. The teacher will say a word aloud to the class. The teacher can select random words or use a class spelling list. The first student in line will repeat the word and the next student will start spelling the word by offering the first letter in the word. The students will go in order spelling the entire word. After a student presents the last letter, the next student shouts "Sparkle," and the next student is out. If any student misses a letter he must sit out of the game.Classes can play this game while practicing for a spelling test.
Jeopardy
Divide students into teams. The teacher will place a category on the board such as science, social studies or language arts. Each question within the category is worth an amount selected by the teacher. The team captain will select a category and the amount. The teacher will read the answer, for example, "He was the first president of the United States." The team captain can give an answer after conferring with the team members, "Who is George Washington?" If the answer is correct, the team win points.
Silent Ball
The teacher will have students spread out around the classroom or stand at their desks. The entire class must be absolutely quiet. There is no talking during this game. The teacher will throw a soft ball to one of the students. The student will then throw the ball to another student. That student must catch the ball. All eyes should be on the person who has the ball. If a student overthrows the ball, she is out of the game. Students who talk or laugh during the game are also out of the game.
Seven Up
Seven Up is a popular game among elementary students. The teacher will select seven students to stand up at the front of the classroom. The rest of the class members will place their heads down on their desks. Some choose to cover their eyes or simply to close them. The students sitting at the desk must raise up a thumb. The teacher turns off the light and the seven selected students walk around the classroom and each picks a student by gently touching her thumb. The student will tuck in her thumb so that she will not be touched twice. When the seven students finish, they return to the front of the class and the teacher turns on the lights. The teacher will say "Heads up, seven up, stand up if you have been selected." The teacher will then give those students who had their thumbs touched a chance to guess who touched them. If they make the correct guess, they go to the front of the class and the other students must sit down.
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