7 Fun and Easy Whole Group Games for Transitions

Creating a positive learning environment for students can have tremendous benefits for both their social and academic development. One way to help create a positive environment is to use whole class games for transitions. Any teacher will tell you it’s the transitions throughout the day that are challenging to navigate, for students and adults! Whole class games are an effective way to help students transition from one activity to the next, while promoting positive behaviors, social, and academic learning.

How to start

Step 1: Choosing appropriate whole class games

The first step in using whole class games for transitions is to choose games that are appropriate for the grade. Create a list of possible game ideas that work well for the grade level you work with. Many teachers find that cooperative games work well, as they foster teamwork and collaboration.

Step 2: Be intentional with your game selection.

Have games that address the different energy levels your students may have on a given day, time of the year, or overall class dynamics. After you have your list, go through and highlight or star the activities/games that are high energy. For example, if your class energy is too high, choosing a high energy game may have the opposite result.

Step 3: Set clear expectations and rules

When playing whole class games, it is important to set clear expectations and rules that are easy to understand. Providing students with instructions on how to play the game, as well as setting a time limit, can help ensure that students remain focused and on task. Consider having your game instructions and rules in digital form (i.e. google slides, powerpoint) for easy access that is easy for students to see, without taking up valuable wall space.

Step 4: Plan a consistent transition time for a game

Now that you have your games and activities list created, reflect on trends and patterns during your day when you notice students losing focus or needing a break. Some behaviors that might indicate a need for a transition: students getting up and walking around the room, asking to go to the bathroom or nurse, yelling.

Another option: if you have a current transition that isn’t going well, adding a game as the transition may create a higher level of engagement for students resulting in a smoother transition. Whole class games can be an effective way to transition from one activity to the next, while promoting positive behaviors, social, and academic learning.

By taking the time to choose an appropriate game, setting clear expectations and rules, and using games to reinforce positive behaviors and academic learning, teachers can create a positive learning environment that benefits their students.

7 Fun and Easy Whole Group Games for Transitions

These are games that I have used with PreK-2 grade students. Most of the games and activities I use for transitions began as Morning Meeting activities. Responsive Classroom™ Morning Meetings have a built in component of group activity. I use this time to teach the game/activity and practice appropriately. (Want to save planning time and energy with my Year Long Done For You Responsive Classroom Morning Meeting Google Slide for Kindergarten and First Grade)

I observe what games the students enjoy and respond to with positive behaviors and excitement. Once a game is mastered by the group, I begin using it for transition times. This works well because learning a new game during the transition can backfire and give you the opposite results you desire.

Here are 7 fun and easy whole group games for transitions that my kindergarten students love:

1. Freeze Dance: This game is a great way to get kids moving and grooving while also getting them to focus on the transition at hand. Have the students dance to their favorite song until the music stops. At this point, the students must freeze and the teacher can add a prompt such as “Raise your hand if you have your backpack.” The students must then respond quickly and accurately. 
2. Roll and Move: This game is great for getting students out of their seats and ready to move on to the next activity. Have students roll a die and move that number of steps around the room. As they move, the teacher can give a prompt such as “Raise your hand if you know the answer.” The students must respond quickly and accurately. 
3. 4 Corners: This game is perfect for dismissing smaller groups of students to the line, to grab go-home items, or to move between activities. Students choose a corner and move to it. Teacher choose a corner at random to (line up, go to locker, etc.) PRO-TIP: Choose 4 different colors, 1 for each of the 4 corners in the room. You could also use 4 different colors on tables in the room. You can simply start by saying choose a color to go to. This becomes more engaging over time when you add a different animal to each color, or characters from a story you’re reading. Place these colors and images in a google slide to show on your board for all to see.
4. Memory Game Boards (digital): This is a great transition when you want students to go from finishing work to come to the carpet. Have a memory board in a google slide with tiles over the images. Students choose 2 tiles at a time to try to make a match. Only students on the carpet can choose. Teacher facilitates, however once students become masters, you can have a student leader facilitate allowing you to help other students struggling to finish or needing extra support. Check out the Done For You Seasons Picture Memory Game Boards 
5. Would You Rather Questions: This is more of a discussion activity that is GREAT when your students need to talk and also have lower energy. Choose 2 similar but different scenarios that students must choose only one. They talk with a partner about what they would rather choose and why. You can do a whole class share out if you have time. Easy to do in the moment OR have done for you questions ready to go in google slides, like my Would You Rather 100 Slide bundle
6. Kid Joke of the Day: This is a low physical activity, high engagement for language and laughter. I like to use this as a before lunch or recess transition. I set a timer and if everyone is on the carpet (or designated spot) by the time the timer goes off, then we’ll have time for the joke of the day. I’ve created 180 kid friendly Joke of the Day in google slides for you to grab and immediately have ready to go.
7. Night at the Museum: Students LOVE this game! I love it too because it merges movement and calm together. Teacher (or designated student once mastered) is the night watch person. When the night watch person isn’t looking the statues can move. Once the night watch person turns back around, the statues must be frozen. If the night watch person see a statue moving, the statue is now frozen forever in that spot. I like playing the game as a brain break or transition in-between classroom activities.

Whole-class games are a great way to help facilitate positive behavior, social, and academic learning during class transitions. These games can help keep students engaged and focused. It is worth it to spend a few minutes each day taking a break with a game or discussion prompt. You’ll gain back any of the time spent in student being more on task than if you didn’t take the time.

RESOURCES TO TRY: