Elementary school teachers use classroom games frequently to reinforce skills. Children in these grades enjoy games, and do not mind schoolwork if they are having fun. Games can also help teachers assess a student's proficiency in several skills. Teachers have several game options. Some can be purchased at discount or teacher supply stores. Handmade games using inexpensive materials is another choice for those on a budget. Elaborateness is not important. What matters is that the children practice and learn skills together and have fun in the process.

Reading
Teachers use reading games to help kids practice many skills. Children in kindergarten and first grade review phonics by playing ABC Bingo. Teachers may purchase this game or make bingo cards from card stock and use plastic counting chips for markers. It is played like the traditional version of bingo,with the teacher calling out letter names instead of numbers. This helps students improve letter recognition. Teachers may choose to make the game more challenging by calling out letter sounds or CVC words like cat or hot and ask kids to put a marker on their cards if they see the letters that correspond to the sounds.

Math
Teachers introduce elementary students to many math skills, establishing a foundation for more complex calculations in middle and high school. Much of what they learn has to be memorized, like addition and multiplication facts. Classroom games are an excellent tool for practicing math facts,counting and shapes. Around The World is a fun way for students to increase their math ability. The teacher displays flash cards with questions applicable to the grade and instructional level. The children sit in their desks or in a circle. One student is chosen as the challenger and stands by a class mate while the teacher displays the card. Whoever answers first with the right answer gets to continue; the other player sits. The object is for one child to give correct answers until she returns to her original seat, making a trip Around The World.

Physical
Classroom games in which kids get to move around or exercise provide physical and academic benefits. If kids have not been able to go outside because of inclement weather, releasing energy in the classroom is the next best thing. It can also reduce behavior problems or inattentiveness by giving everyone a change of pace. www.Kellybear.com has many suggestions for physical games. Young children can recite poems and songs to music or while marching around the room to increase phonemicaw areness. If there is enough space, third- and fourth-graders can recite multiplication facts or say the names of states and capitals while exercising.