Energize Your Classroom with 3 Fun Review Games That Students Will Love
Are you looking for fresh, engaging ways to energize your classroom, get every student involved, and create a fun learning atmosphere?
Whether you’re teaching little learners or guiding older students, classroom games are a fantastic way to spark curiosity, build teamwork, and keep kids actively engaged.
As a teacher with over 10 years of experience, I’ve tried a lot of review games, and I’m excited to share my top 3 favorites with you!
These games work for any grade level and any subject—no special materials or complex setups required. Plus, they’ll have your students asking for more!
Game #1: The Unfair Game
Who says learning can’t be fun and a little bit unfair?
The Unfair Game is a student favorite, and it’s a great way to review material before big tests. The best part?
The prizes are completely free! You can use random household items that have no value—think things like a box of macaroni and cheese, an empty tissue box, or even an avocado (because who doesn’t want a random avocado?).
You can even throw in small rewards like a “5+” pass to add to a grade or a free seating pass for lunch. Trust me, they’ll love it!
How to Play:
- Set up a list of questions you want to review—this could be math problems, historical facts, or vocabulary questions. Write the questions on a screen or a whiteboard.
- Assign each student a number (using a dry erase marker on the board), and make a spinning wheel or pick names using popsicle sticks.
- The students answer the questions, and if they get it right, they get to choose where to place their name—either under an empty number or under someone else’s name. Here’s the catch: they can take someone else’s spot! The unpredictability makes this game so much fun.
The best part? Seeing the look on their faces when they win something like a broken crayon or an invisible $100 bill!
Game #2: ZAP!
ZAP! is a game I created using a simple cardboard board (or corkboard if you’re feeling fancy). The students will love this one because it combines questions with the suspense of who will ZAP next!
How to Play:
- Create a 4×4 board with columns labeled Z, A, P, and !, and each with different point values (100, 200, 300, 400).
- Randomly place question cards and “ZAP!” cards into the board. ZAP! cards can change the game completely! Students might gain or lose points—or even switch scores with the other team!
- When students pick a card, they’ll answer the question (using whiteboards and calculators if it’s math). If they get it wrong, the next team gets a shot at it. If they get a ZAP! card, they draw from a pile of “ZAP!” cards that could change everything.
This game is perfect for keeping students on their toes and turning review time into a full-on competition. Plus, it’s hilarious to see the score swaps and point losses!
Game #3: Cake Walk Review
Who doesn’t love cake? Well, imagine combining a cake walk with a review game. That’s right—this game is literally a cake walk, and it’s as deliciously fun as it sounds.
How to Play:
- First, send out a request for parents to donate Little Debbie cakes. You’ll need a variety of cakes, such as Oatmeal Creme Pies or Christmas Tree Cakes (yum!).
- Print out numbers to place around the floor—one for each student.
- Play music while students walk around the numbers. When the music stops, pull a number from a container or spin a wheel. Whoever is standing on the selected number gets to choose a cake!
- Students must answer a question correctly before they get to join the next round of the cake walk.
This one is simple, effective, and, let’s face it, delicious. Plus, the competition for cakes gets intense.
Wrapping It Up
These 3 classroom review games are guaranteed to keep your students engaged, motivated, and excited to learn.
From the Unfair Game’s unpredictable twists to ZAP!’s point-switching drama, and the sweet rewards of the Cake Walk, these games will turn any review session into a classroom event they’ll look forward to.
You’ll also be able to review any subject—math, reading, science, and more—with ease and fun.
Want to learn more tips on classroom management or how to make learning more exciting?
Check out my other blog posts for more creative ideas and teaching resources.
Happy teaching, and may the odds (and prizes) be ever in your favor! 😄🎉