HELP! Middle School games for the classroom

[lovetoscrap]

I have subbed for K-5 classes for years and am certified in Elementary Ed. But I am well known at DD's Middle School because of my PTA involvement so they have been calling me to sub. Yesterday was my first time ever to be in a classroom of Middle School kids -- 8th graders.

I went in confident. The lesson plans were clear and easy. There are 4 blocks of classes and they only teach for 3 each day. For 2nd and 3rd block the kids were working on projects in the Computer Lab-- all guided by the computer program. No Problems, right???

The power went off.



All day.


This was in addition (or actually in conjunction with) to the fact that an HVAC unit exploded on the roof and we were evacuated outside for almost an hour while the fire dept did their jobs. So, no computers to use, no power, and the daily routine was now gone, as we had to remain in current classes until further notice, lunch time was messed up, and then later classes shortened. Because there was no danger to anyone, and most classes have windows there was no need to cancel school.

I did a few journal writing assignments but really, getting them to do anything was a lesson in futility. We tried to play Heads Up-7 Up (their request) but that didn't go well-- they were getting out of control fast. So I need some suggestions of some games that I can play at the Middle School level to fill free time or for emergencies. They need to have the kids in their seats, and involve only pencil and paper or white board and marker and their brains. Educational would be a bounus! I carry a tote bag of Sub supplies so I can bring a few small things with me, but I can't bring an assortment of board games! The classrooms have very minimal resources that can be used.

We were going to try Hangman but I was saved by the message to go on to lunch, so I have that one in mind. But I would love any other ideas! I am in this class again Monday and Tuesday and then another class Wednesday and after Thanksgiving break. It should all be fine, but I want to be prepared.


Oh, and the Administrators and Office Staff got a big laugh over the fact that my first day was so crazy, so on Monday I am going into the office and pulling a flashlight and fire extinguisher out of my bag and let them know that I am now ready for the day!

 

[Kitty 34]

When I need a filler I often play Scattegories. You can come up with your own topics possibly related to things they are studying.

Or I play what I call the Word Game. I put a word up on the board and a student has to erase one letter and put another one up changing it to another word. I usually do boys vs girls on this one. Scattegories I have them do in groups.

Sounds like you had one crazy day!!!!

 

[MM27]

I teach 4th grade, but I'm sure this would work with middle schoolers as well. My students love to play trivia type games. I use those Brain Quest cards (easy to carry in your bag, so that's a plus) and break the kids into small groups. I give each group a dry erase board and when I ask the question, each time writes their answer on the board. This way they are all involved all the time and nobody gets bored waiting. I usually keep score using 100 points per question. They lose points if they get the question wrong but lose nothing if they choose not to answer. I tell them the scores only periodically through the game. This keeps them on their toes. I usually give the winning team a little treat (candy, pencil, etc.)

 

[happygirl]

Heads down 7 up

 

[MM27]

Heads down 7 up

My 4th graders groan when someone mentions 7-up, so I don't know that 8th graders would enjoy that.

 

[happygirl]

My 4th graders groan when someone mentions 7-up, so I don't know that 8th graders would enjoy that.

I guess times have changed lol. When I was Jr High 20 year ago we loved to play that lol

 

[AshleyW]

I did a few journal writing assignments but really, getting them to do anything was a lesson in futility. We tried to play Heads Up-7 Up (their request) but that didn't go well-- they were getting out of control fast. So I need some suggestions of some games that I can play at the Middle School level to fill free time or for emergencies.

Heads down 7 up

I always liked when subs played trivia games with us. The Brain Quest cards that a PP mentioned are pretty fun.

 

[happygirl]

I always liked when subs played trivia games with us. The Brain Quest cards that a PP mentioned are pretty fun.

Thanks for rolling your eyes. I was trying to be helpful,ne need to be rude

 

[BCDisneyFanatic]

I used to give my students blank bingo cards (usually 4x4 squares), and get them to fill in the blanks with words from the unit they were studying in science. I would then use the glossary from the text to read out the definitions. The students would mark off the words that matched the definitions called out, and the first one to make a line, and then x, and then fill in their card would win a prize (usually some sort of candy).

I've also done it (with older grades) matching symbols to elements, formulas to chemical names, etc. I suspect you could easily adapt it to for other subjects.

 

[meliss8599]

I used to give my students blank bingo cards (usually 4x4 squares), and get them to fill in the blanks with words from the unit they were studying in science. I would then use the glossary from the text to read out the definitions. The students would mark off the words that matched the definitions called out, and the first one to make a line, and then x, and then fill in their card would win a prize (usually some sort of candy).

I've also done it (with older grades) matching symbols to elements, formulas to chemical names, etc. I suspect you could easily adapt it to for other subjects.

Wow! What a great idea! I've always wasted time doing it myself but they'll get even more out of the activity if they find the appropriate words. Thanks!

To address the OP, we play SPARKLE which is a much more fun version of the spelling bee. There are many variations of the game so you can pick and choose which method works best for you. Here are some links but the web has TONS more if you just type in "sparkle spelling":

http://atozteacherstuff.com/pages/4240.shtml

http://www.superteacherideas.com/spelling6-sparkleA.html

 

[lovetoscrap]

When I need a filler I often play Scattegories. You can come up with your own topics possibly related to things they are studying.

Or I play what I call the Word Game. I put a word up on the board and a student has to erase one letter and put another one up changing it to another word. I usually do boys vs girls on this one. Scattegories I have them do in groups.

Sounds like you had one crazy day!!!!

Thanks! I just got our Scattergories game and blew off the dust! I will keep the catagory cards, dice and rules in my bag and use that. If I can I will try to come up with some other topics but this is at least something for now.

Not sure about the Word Game. I am a little worried what some of these boys would try to come up with!

I used to give my students blank bingo cards (usually 4x4 squares), and get them to fill in the blanks with words from the unit they were studying in science. I would then use the glossary from the text to read out the definitions. The students would mark off the words that matched the definitions called out, and the first one to make a line, and then x, and then fill in their card would win a prize (usually some sort of candy).

I've also done it (with older grades) matching symbols to elements, formulas to chemical names, etc. I suspect you could easily adapt it to for other subjects.

Great idea! I will have to see how I can use this one. Most of the classes don't use textbooks in our middle school but I am subbing French so I can use it for that.

Wow! What a great idea! I've always wasted time doing it myself but they'll get even more out of the activity if they find the appropriate words. Thanks!

To address the OP, we play SPARKLE which is a much more fun version of the spelling bee. There are many variations of the game so you can pick and choose which method works best for you. Here are some links but the web has TONS more if you just type in "sparkle spelling":

http://atozteacherstuff.com/pages/4240.shtml

http://www.superteacherideas.com/spelling6-sparkleA.html

I will have to look at this one. My elementary daughter loves this--they use it as a time filler. But they don't have spelling in Middle School so I would have to adapt it somehow. I will have to think about it.

I at least have Scattergories and Hangman to get me through tomorrow if all hell breaks loose again! Praying for full power all day!

 

[daisyduck123]

Elementary school teacher here

Keep a supply or Word Searches and Highlight's Hidden Pictures with you.

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

There is a math game called 24. They have the cards all made out, depending on the level you get, they have to use the numbers on the circle on the card to make 24 using either +/- or mult/division.

For example, the numbers might be 10, 10, 10, 6.
10 + 10 = 20
20 + 10 = 30
30 - 6 = 24

You could just copy the numbers from the card (they sell decks of these cards) onto the white board and have them solve with paper and pencil.

You could also do money riddles, like "I have 3 coins and 25c. What coins do I have?" Obviously, you'd have to make it more difficult for middle school level.

You can also find some reading comprehension type worksheets. Right now, Scholastic has 20 days worth of worksheets on their site that you can print out and copy. My personal opinion is they are easier than the listed grade level, but they can work in a pinch. http://www.scholastic.com/staysmart/ (There are 3 sets of 20 days: the "ReadingWritingMath", the "Read180", and the "System 44".)

 

[MichelleinMaine]

Apples to Apples is a huge hit for the middle/high schoolers at our church. Great group game and can fill whatever spot of time you have it not enough for a full game.

 

[schmitty]

Im not sure what they are called but those pictures that also mean phrases. An example of this is at Disney that when leaving going towards I4 from EPCOT they have the Up Buckle sign but it means Buckle Up. Kids love to try to figure those out.

 

[MinnieMe87]

Heads down 7 up

When I was in Junior High, we played that all the time with subs and with our regular teachers. It's been about 11 years since I was in Junior High, but I remember that being a favorite of ours. We also played a lot of Pictionary and Charades too.

 

[Cindy B]

I HATE 7 UP and I refuse to have it in the classroom! I effectively banned 7 UP from any of my classrooms however you could do:

Brain Teasers
Scattergories
Word Searches
Crosswords
Mad Libs




Never Ending Story: First you need to preempt and state that all answers need to be school appropriate. Explain to the students that you are going to create a never ending or "progressive" story with all the student answers. Technically, this is a lesson in context clues. You will need one piece of paper and willingness to write anything. If the the classrooms are large use two pieces of paper.

The first thing you do is tell the students them the premise of the story. The teacher will begin a writing prompt -- usually something like "I couldn't believe this happened to me it was a big..." and FOLD DOWN THE PAPER in small accordion style so the students can't see it. Only tell the students the last word in the prompt and then tell them that they need to write a sentence, fold it over and then pass it back with telling only the last word.

Once the paper makes the circuit, it will be so out of context. Read the stories aloud and make a Venn Diagram (if you have two of them) of similarities and differences.




If you have power, you can always find Webquests on current literature units. It;s better when they are true Webquests and not Internet search and finds.

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

Oh, and the Administrators and Office Staff got a big laugh over the fact that my first day was so crazy, so on Monday I am going into the office and pulling a flashlight and fire extinguisher out of my bag and let them know that I am now ready for the day!

Sooo....did you do this?

 

[lovetoscrap]

Sooo....did you do this?

YEP! The secretary thought it was hilarious!

Much better day today-- the kids all were able to stay busy and we had power and no fires!

I am definitely going to need at least one or two of these games tomorrow. We have a test and nothing else planned. I am guessing we will have at least a half hour to fill.

 

[Cindy B]

My last subbing assignment was 80 minute blocks in a middle school.. Try doing that with limited to no plans! (It was a nightmare!)