ABC / End of the Year / Game / Kindergarten / Language / Video

ABC Countdown to the Last Day of School: Letter Gg is for Game Day

by Megan Bacchus · May 26, 2024

Letter Gg is for Game Day!

Let’s play some games on Game Day! These are some of our favourites.

Beat the Teacher – Put two different types of objects in a bag (stones and beads/gems, green/red grapes, buttons of two different shapes/colours). Assign each of the objects to either the teacher or the students. For example, a red button is a point for the teacher, a blue button is a point for the students. Have students make a t-chart with their name at the top of one side and the teacher’s name at the top of the other side. Pull one object out of the bag at a time and have students draw a tally mark as a point under the correct side of the chart.
Scavenger Hunt – Use a list of objects or call out objects one at a time, based on a theme such as 3D solids. Have students race to find an object that matches and rejoin the class. After an object is found, give students 10 seconds to return the object to where it belongs before the next round.
How many words can you make? – Show a group of letters that easily mix to make a number of words. (e.g., C, T, A, R) Have students make as many words as they can in a certain amount of time.
Memory Game – Show sight words or numbers on cards. Have students look at them, then close their eyes as you take one away. Have students guess which card is missing.
What time is it Mr. Wolf? – This virtual adaptation of the game can be found in my time telling unit. Students tell the time and do the exercises. When a wolf appears, students hide off-camera.
Hide and Seek – One person counts while everyone else hides off-screen but within earshot. The seeker finds the hiders by guessing where they might be. For example, “If you are hiding behind a couch, come back. If you are hiding under a table, come back. If you are hiding in the kitchen, come back.”
Mystery Box/Bag – Hide a common object in a box or bag. Give 2 clues. Have students guess what the object is. The person to guess correctly gets to choose a mystery object next. To make it easier, show a number of items and put them inside a box. Choose one item from the box and describe it. To incorporate literacy or numeracy, put a number, letter, or word inside the box/bag.
Guess the Sounds:

9. Guess the Compound Words:

Here are ten more exciting and interactive ideas for celebrating Game Day in Kindergarten:

Board Game Stations: Set up different stations with classic board games like Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, and Memory. Rotate groups of children through each station to ensure everyone gets a chance to play various games.
Outdoor Field Games: Organize outdoor games such as sack races, relay races, tug-of-war, and a three-legged race. These games encourage physical activity and teamwork.
Puzzle Time: Provide a variety of puzzles with different levels of difficulty. Children can work individually or in small groups to complete them. Puzzles help develop problem-solving skills and patience.
Parachute Games: Use a large parachute for group activities like making waves, playing “popcorn” with balls on the parachute, and creating a tent by lifting it up and sitting underneath. These activities promote cooperation and coordination.
Musical Chairs: Play a lively game of musical chairs, where children walk around a circle of chairs while music plays, and must find a seat when the music stops. This game is great for listening skills and quick thinking.
Simon Says: Lead a game of Simon Says, where children must follow commands only if they are preceded by “Simon says.” This game enhances listening skills and attention to detail.
Scavenger Hunt: Organize a scavenger hunt around the classroom or schoolyard, where children search for hidden items or complete specific tasks. Provide a list or picture clues to guide them.
Charades: Play a game of charades with simple categories like animals, actions, or common objects. Children take turns acting out the words while others guess. This encourages creativity and expressive skills.
Freeze Dance: Play music and let the children dance freely. When the music stops, they must freeze in place. This game is fun and helps develop self-control and listening skills.
Bingo: Create bingo cards with pictures or words related to a theme (animals, shapes, colors). Play a game of bingo, and offer small prizes or stickers for winners. This game reinforces recognition and matching skills.