Have you ever seen those teachers who have their center games and task cards all organized in those cute containers they bought from Michael's? Like...
I would see these and think "OMG I would LOVE to do this in my classroom!" but then it turned into... "maybe next year" but I've been teaching First grade for 8+ years and haven't done it yet because let's face it... we don't have that kind of time unless we make the time.
One thing I absolutely know is that my students do need some way to practice those skills that they have struggled with. Centers and small group is the time to do that. I just needed something that wouldn't take as much time. I found myself searching the internet for online games that were free or at least affordable, didn't require a pricey subscription, and were actually standards-based! I didn't always find the right activity or game and it still was taking me time to find them and share with my students or explain directions on how to play.
Teaching during the pandemic was challenging but I learned so much and discovered new talents and interests of my students. They enjoyed game-based learning the most which led me to create my own activities to help them with Math and Reading during distance learning. However, I am so happy that they can still access these games from their devices in the classroom.
Here are the top 5 things I love about Digital Centers:
NO PREP REQUIRED
The games are made using Google Slides and can quickly be shared with my students on Google Classroom or pushing the link to student devices through GoGuardian. I don't have to print, laminate, cut or print, cut, laminate (depending on which order you prefer!) those task cards, game pieces, game boards, puzzles etc!
No Storage? No Problem!
Not every teacher is born with the gift of organization. YES! It is a gift! So for those of us who suffer from paper and supplies overload, we only have to worry about a Google Drive folder to hold our games. We can even color code the folders by skill/subject/unit.
I don't have to REPEAT myself!
For some reason, many children have the ability to figure out video and computer games quickly and easily. Maybe because they're much more intrigued on playing, having fun and reaching a goal than completing a worksheet. There is also an option to add a video or voice recording of directions to the games so if any child is confused, they can replay and listen to the instructions as much as they'd like. Games are also easy enough for other students to help and explain to each other.
Immediate Feedback
The games are self-checking and students will know right away which questions they answered incorrectly. They also are given another chance to fix their mistakes and try the question again.
Students PLEAD to play every day
I have tried physical games and puzzles in my classroom for years. Even spending time creating games myself, cutting and gluing and laminating hundreds of pieces just for my students to end up destroying them. I spent more time redirecting behaviors during small group rather than actually teaching. Now, the students really want to play and they remain engaged.
Overall, digital activities can be a convenient and effective way to engage students in the classroom and provide them with valuable learning experiences.
If you made it this far, I thank you so much for reading. Please comment and tell me which do you prefer: Physical or Digital Centers? Or maybe a mix of both?
Here are some of my favorite digital games to use in the classroom to promote math and reading fluency
You can try out one of my FREE Digital Centers here!
The following games are not self-checking but you can see your students work in real-time by assigning on Google Classroom or Canvas
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