- I Spy – One person “spies” something in the background and keeps it a secret. The item must be something that all the other players see, and something that will stay in sight for the time it takes to complete the round. The “It” player recites the line “I spy with my little eye something that is (add descriptive clue).” The other players then take turns guessing the item. If after the first round, no player correctly guesses the item, the players may as questions. Additional clues may be given if the rounds continue.
- Simon Says – One person is designated as “Simon” while other students are players. Simon tells players what they must do. The players need to listen carefully as they must obey commands that begin with the words “Simon says.” If Simon says, “Simon says touch your chin,” then players must touch their chin. If they do not obey, they are out of the game. Alternately, if players touch their chin without the command “Simon says” players are out of the game.
- Rock, Paper, Scissors – Three hand motions are used in this game that designate a rock, paper or scissors. The rock is designated by making a fist. The scissors is designated by extending the middle and index fingers. Finally, the paper is designated by holding the hand flat. Players are to throw out 1 of the 3 hand motions at the same time. If players throw out the same gesture, the game continues. If not, it’s decided by this arriving method: rock smashes scissors, scissors cuts paper, paper covers rock.
- Charades – Students take turns to act out a word, phrase, person, or animal without uttering a word or sound. The other players have to guess what the actor/actress is acting out in the shortest time as possible.
- Bingo – Each player gets a bingo card. The game moderator calls out a number or picture. Students must then identify the number or picture on their bingo cards and cover or mark the space. If a student has all the numbers or pictures covered diagonally, across in a row or vertically in a column, they should call out BINGO. If a student claims they have BINGO and they are incorrect, they are disqualified from that round.
- In-Home Scavenger Hunt – The game moderator compiles a list of basic objects and articles found in a home. When the item is called out to the players, they must run around in the home and search for the particular item or article. The first player that reveals the item scores a point. This can game can be played in teams or solo players.
- What’s That Sound? – The object of this game is to play a very brief sound, without showing a picture of the sounding object, to the players. The player that guesses correctly scores a point. If players cannot guess the sound on the first round, lengthen the sound until a player guesses correctly. Sounds can be from animals, nature, home appliances, instruments, etc.
- Magnetic Memory – This is a memory game using a metal baking sheet and magnets. Collect numerous magnets and place them on the baking sheet. Hold the baking sheet up for 15-30 seconds and ask the players to memorize the sheet. After the designated time, hide the sheet and remove a magnet or two from the sheet. Hold the sheet back up and have the players guess what magnets are missing. Continue until all magnets are removed.
- Where is Sparky? – Collect photos of famous landmarks in your town, city, state, or nation. Save the photos on your device. Insert Sparky into the pictures (https://www.awana.org/clipart/) and save the image. Prepare a slideshow of the images. Show the images to the students and have them take turns guessing where Sparky is visiting. Give an interesting fact of the landmark.
- Zoomed In – Collect pictures or photos of animals, plants, nature, or objects. Save them to your device. Prepare a slideshow of the images. Show the object “zoomed in” making it challenging for the students (and leaders) to identify. Slowly zoom out the picture. The student that guesses the image correctly in the shortest timeframe wins the round.
- Pictionary – Zoom has a whiteboard sharing feature that is perfect for playing Pictionary. Make sure all participants have the latest version downloaded to ensure this feature is available. To use Zoom’s whiteboard, the artist(s) will click the share screen button located in their meeting toolbar, select the whiteboard, and click share. The artist(s) should then see annotation tools that will let them use their mouse to draw as they would for Pictionary.
- Freeze Dance – The “DJ” can download and save Awana, VBS, hymns, or praise and worship songs to their device. The players of the video call must keep dancing as long as the music is playing. As soon as the music stops, everyone must freeze. The “DJ” must must try and catch anyone moving, even the slightest motion. If they are caught moving, they are out for the remainder of the round.
GAME BASED LEARNING PLATFORMS