Classroom PE Games
These games are designed to maximize activity for kids in confined spaces (such as the classroom). Some of these games are high-intensity, some are based on movement that stimulates brain activity, and some are designed with the simple goal of getting kids up, active and happy to move. As every confined space and classroom is different, with its own set of challenges and hazards, please be sure to adapt these games so that they can work well for your kids and your space. The ideal spot to start for activity in confined spaces is with fitness circuits; so if you haven’t yet visited our fitness circuit section, we recommend you check it out! In order to get the most out of these games, try and avoid lag time during transitions. In order to do this, be sure that you have the next part of the activity ready to go (with a verbal cue, movement strategy or breathing exercise), so that the kids can move as seamlessly as possible from one motion to the next throughout the game.
Perfect Switch
Equipment: NONE Description: You will need to modify this game to work in your particular classroom based on your desk arrangement (remember to always think SAFETY, and to give the kids very specific instructions). For this example, I am using a class where kids are...
ZIP, ZAP, ZOP
Equipment: NONE Description: Have your class stand in a circle. Before the game can start, everyone must start bouncing, as quietly as they can, up and down on their toes (tell them they should pretend that they are jumping up and down on mini-trampolines). The...
Creative Yoga
Equipment: NONE Description: The biggest rule here is that the kids have to be aware of their breathing, and they are not allowed to talk during the yoga session (smiling and soft laughter is all right!). Do some demonstrations of some classic yoga poses, or make some...
What Am I?
Equipment: NONE Description: Have the students give you 4 “things,” (it can literally be anything, as long as it’s appropriate!), and write the 4 things on the board. Once you have 4 things, tell the kids that they are not allowed to speak at all, and they are not...
Alphabet Aerobics
Equipment: NONE Description: Write out the entire Alphabet, either on a whiteboard, chalkboard or long strip of cardboard, using a single colour. Be sure to leave enough room underneath each letter so that you can write another letter underneath. Underneath each...
Human Bop-It
Equipment: NONE Description: This is based on that kids toy that has the twist/pull/turn/bop buttons, on which the kids must complete ever more complicated patterns. To start, create some easy word/movement associations, and practice as a class. For example, when you...
Animal Escape
Equipment: NONE Description: You can change this one up a bit so that it will work for young and old kids alike. For young kids, tell them that they will have to move like the various animals/creatures/bugs that you come up with, and will have to figure out how to do...
Silent Soccer
Equipment: 1 soccer ball per circle. Description: Have the kids sit in a circle on their chairs, gripping the sides of the chairs with their hands and sitting with a straight back. You can have more than one circle going at a time, as long as their is enough space,...
RPS Evolution
Equipment: A chair. Description: Put one student on a special chair or spot in the class (he/she is the king/ queen). You will be playing Rock, Paper, Scissors with people, but can only play against someone who is the same thing as you (see below). Everyone starts...
Booyah!
Equipment: NONE Description: This game will depend on the desk arrangements in your class, but with a few modifications can be made to work with any desk setup. All of the students are sitting at their desks, and one student starts by walking around. At some point,...