Games

This is one of the topics I discussed one week, but alas it is lost in the nether-regions of cyberspace.  I use games, especially in math, almost every day.  This is a great way for the students to review their basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts.  The grade-level I teach is 4th, but their basic skills are very weak.  This is the year they will come to realize how important it is to have instant recall of these facts and the games we play help them.  I use shepphardssoftware and their balloon pop games and also their algebra games. 

SpellingCity is another great spot.  I used this in second grade and the children begged to play it!  We used the hangmouse most.  They loved getting to use the interactive board and hearing the music.  (Oh, and their goal was not to wake up the cat and have him catch the mouse).  They LOVED the music that played when they were successful.

In school we use Funbrain and other sites for the children.  A new added this year is IXL math.  Although this is not really a game, it does offer some features as a game.  The children are earning gold medals for their math skills.

Although life cannot always be a game, games have a place in the classroom, but cannot take the place of actual teaching.  In my opinion, they are great for introductions, practice and conclusions to lessons.