Games and Activities
Looking for activities to show your child the fun side of learning? From science experiments and math games to writing projects and more, we've got you covered! Use the selector on the right to browse around, or narrow your search by grade and subject area.
First graders will get a kick out of creating a written message and practicing their letters using sticks they find in nature. This also helps to practice their letter formation and handwriting strokes.
Global consciousness can be a hard pill to swallow, so give them a good reason by introducing them to organizations like Heifer International.
More activities:
Crunch a Can with Air, Water and Science!
Experiment with the wonders of pressure and condensation by crushing a soda can with nothing but air and water!
Ice Cube Bead Necklaces
Create ice cube bead necklaces to cool off little fireballs of energy while practicing gross motor skills and sequencing, and discussing states of matter.
Perform a Law of Motion Magic Trick
Have your child try this classic trick. Not only is it fun to perform and impressive to watch, but it is a great example of Newton's First Law of Motion at work!
Games for the Grocery Store
Few places are as dense with words as an ordinary grocery store. The next time you find yourself trolling the aisles with an impatient kid in tow, turn the trip on its head. Make it a reading adventure! Here are five ideas to get you started:
Play Science Password!
This activity will help your child review science concepts, learn new ones, and become familiar with the definitions and examples of various concepts in science. Plus, it's fun!
Be a Covert Code Breaker!
Who hasn't dreamt of becoming a secret agent - working on clandestine missions and intercepting secret codes? Here's your child's chance to work on her code breaking and writing skills while covertly developing her analytical thinking skills, too!
Chalk it Up! An Outdoor Classification Activity
Classifying and sorting into groups is also a large part of the first grade math curriculum. The outdoors offers an abundance of learning tools for children, and classifying in the natural world gives your child an added lesson in scientific observation and classification.
Get Your Head in the Clouds!
First graders are eager to learn about science - especially using large objects to observe like clouds. Let your child daydream a little and use those science and writing skills, too!
Play Rainbow Bingo!
First graders need to be able to read color words quickly and accurately, without taking the time to sound them out. Here's a fun bingo game designed to give your first grader fun, colorful practice learning to recognize words like "red" and "purple."
