What do you play during indoor recess?

Answered by Frank Schwing

During indoor recess, there are plenty of game options to keep students entertained and engaged. Here are some ideas:

1. Board games: Board games are a classic choice for indoor recess. They provide a chance for students to exercise their strategic thinking and have fun at the same time. Games like Scrabble, Monopoly, or Clue can be great options.

2. Card games: Card games are another versatile option for indoor recess. They can be played with a standard deck of cards or with specific card game sets. Popular card games like Crazy Eights, Go Fish, or Uno are easy to learn and enjoyable for students of all ages.

3. Checkers or chess: For students who enjoy a challenge, checkers or chess can be a great option. These games require critical thinking and planning ahead, making them ideal for developing problem-solving skills.

4. Mini cornhole: If you have space and materials available, you can create a mini version of cornhole for indoor recess. Use bean bags and small boards with holes, and have students take turns tossing the bags to score points. It’s a fun and interactive game that can be enjoyed by all.

5. Mini Jenga: Jenga is a popular game that can be adapted for indoor recess. Instead of using large wooden blocks, you can use smaller blocks or even index cards. The objective remains the same: players take turns removing a block from the tower without causing it to collapse.

6. Create your own mancala game: Mancala is a traditional African game that can be easily made using an egg carton and small objects like beans or marbles. Have students take turns moving the objects around the carton, aiming to collect the most in their designated side.

7. Minute To Win It games: Challenge your students to a series of Minute To Win It games. These quick and engaging activities can be done with simple materials found in the classroom. For example, have students try to stack cups into a pyramid or move cotton balls with a spoon in under a minute.

8. Heads Up, Seven Up: This classic game is perfect for a quick and fun indoor recess activity. Select a few students to be “it” and have the rest of the class close their eyes and put their heads down on their desk. The “it” students then walk around and gently tap one person on the thumb. Afterward, the tapped students have to guess who tapped them.

Remember, the key is to provide a variety of options to cater to different interests and abilities. By offering a mix of board games, card games, and interactive activities, you can ensure that students have a fun and engaging indoor recess experience.