A number of gym activities can be translated into a classroom environment. They work well because they require minimal or no equipment and can fit into confined spaces inside a full room. These activities not only provide your students with a chance to have fun, they also help them improve their listening, critical thinking and motor skills and increase their fitness level. Whether your school is lacking in gymnasium space, or you just want to let your students expend energy in the classroom, try out these games.
Mum Ball
Mum ball is an activity with all of the competitive and athletic aspects of a gym class activity but designed specifically for the classroom. Teachers love this game because students must remain completely silent -- or mum -- throughout the game, and students love it because they get to sit on their desks and throw a ball around the classroom. This game also allows students to practice their focus, aim and accuracy. If the ball is thrown to you, you must catch it and then throw it to another student sitting on top of his desk. If you drop the ball, or you throw it too high or far from the other student to catch from his position on his desk, you are out and must sit back down in your chair while remaining silent. If you talk at any point in the game, you are also out. You win if you are the last one sitting on your desk.
Four Corners
Another game that works well in a classroom as well as gym class setting is called four corners. To play, the teacher and students number the corners of the room one through four. One person, usually the teacher, closes her eyes and counts down from 30 at the center of the room. The Education World website explains that while she is counting, everyone in the room walks to one of the corners and stands there waiting. The person in the middle calls out a number before opening her eyes. If you are standing in the corner number that is called out, you must sit back down at your desk. If you are still in, you continue to play like this until only one person remains.
Animal Charades
An active classroom game geared toward younger children is animal charades, also known as "What kind of animal are you?" at the PE Central website. This activity encourages students to use their imaginations as well as their bodies by trying to move like certain animals. This game can be played several different ways. You may enjoy putting on music and moving like different animals as a group, or selecting one student to act out an animal while the rest of the students try to guess.
Simon Says
A classic game that works well in gymnasiums and also classrooms, Simon Says can be played without any props or equipment. In this game, one person -- usually the teacher -- is in charge of giving movement commands that the students follow. You are supposed to move only when the teacher says "Simon says" before the instruction. If you move when the teacher does not say it, you are out and must return to your seat. Dick Moss, the editor of PhysicalEducationUpdate.com, recommends making this activity into a fitness game. To do this, give commands such as "Simon says do 10 jumping jacks," or "Simon says give me five pushups."
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