“Oh, the places you'll go! There is fun to be done! There are points to be scored. There are games to be won." -Dr. Seuss

Dr Seuss of all people knows that life is full of fun and games and adventures to be had. To make even the most boring subjects more entertaining, we play games. And, since everything in the world has moved online (from banking to socialising), there are plenty of online games that cover a wide range of interests.

It's worth stating that many teachers are using online games from trustworthy websites in the classroom. That's because a series of technological innovations in the classroom is changing the way our kids are learning right across the curriculum, and indeed education experts are having a good look at the latest trends in the use of games as tools of teaching and cognitive development.

Most educational games are aimed at those aged 5-15 but it's also possible to find a few that would appeal to students aged 15 and upwards. So, without further ado, to help students and teachers alike, we'll look at the top ten best educational game websites to use in a traditional classroom setting.

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Are Games Beneficial with Students in the Classroom?

aged 16 and over
There are engaging educational games that are tailormade to inspire even the most disinterested teens. (Source: Unsplash)

Before we can even begin to discuss the best websites to find highly recommended games and activities for primary and secondary school pupils, it's essential to discuss whether or not games are useful in the traditional classroom. Are games beneficial to students or do they distract them from the important school work at hand? Let's analyse some pros and cons to help us make an educated decision.

The Pros

Educators have been trying to implement more game-based learning in the classroom to see if their students will start applying themselves more. Let's take a look at the following advantages of playing games in the classroom:

  • Games motivate learners, especially young ones, to continue learning. 
  • The interaction and comradery involved in playing games strengthen the bonds between classmates. 
  • Well-chosen activities and games keep the classroom fun and positive memories of learning are created. 

With so many advantages, game-based learning will continue to become more popular in the classroom. But, are there any drawbacks to games? Let's take a look!

The Cons

As is the case with everything, there are a few drawbacks to introducing and using games in classrooms. Such as? The list below features three reasons why you might want to carefully review your decision to use games with your students:

  • If your games aren't well-organised, they might be more distracting than helpful. 
  • When too many games are played, students might not be learning all they have to learn. Balance is needed. 

Now that we've reviewed both the benefits and drawbacks of playing games in the classroom, as a teacher, or student, you'll be able to see both sides of the coin.

What are the Top Ten Websites to Find Games for Students?

Playing a game or taking part in a recreational activity has long been viewed as something you do when you have some free time or a way of distracting your mind from the issues at hand. But, is that the case? Not necessarily. Much research has been conducted and there is proof that games are beneficial and educational to persons of all ages.

Students in the primary school stage are particularly fond of online games since it's something that engages their minds and keeps them focused. 

Now, let's focus on the top ten websites to find games for students.

Bitesize/BBC Schools

What better place to start than with our dearly beloved Beeb and their fantastic learning resource that has run for over a decade? Bitesize is the first stop for all things GCSE whilst Schools goes a little more in-depth for those approaching A-level. There are plenty of resources there for teachers and parents too on BBC Bitesize and BBC Schools as well as useful forums for kids.

The Bitesize games act as revision techniques that are fantastic for older students in their teenage years.

AGAME.com (Music Games)

AGAME.com is one of those popular flash-based online game sites that is liked by the social media generation. While AGAME.com does feature many other games that aren't too educational, there's a great collection of music games that get you thinking too. MusicGames.com is much more of a bespoke music and rhythm learning site, but both cover a variety of genres and get pupils to demonstrate different skills such as rhythm, instrument knowledge, harmonies and much more. If you're a music teacher, this site comes highly recommended.

The Jason Project

Thoroughly thought-out online games and digital labs are designed to capture students’ attention and sustain their interest. It's worth stating that JASON learning is heavily weighted towards Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

Before they can start participating in games and activities, users are asked to sign up for access to a plethora of well-designed educational activities and games.

Cut the Knot

maths and sciences
If you're struggling with mathematics, it might be a wise idea to play games that could encourage you. (Source: Unsplash)

A site that is known for interactive mathematics miscellany, Cut the Knot.org, covers algebra, arithmetic, geometry, calculus, and the list goes on and on. the list goes on. If you really want to drill down into your mathematics revision this site beats your battered old textbook and makes learning extremely fun.

NASA Quest Challenges:

Anything from NASA is a slamdunk and that includes NASA Quest Challenges. Nasa’s free learning resources are a mainstay of lists like these, and rightly so. A wide range of authentic scientific and engineering topics are covered through interactive games and challenges that are relevant to the real-life experiences of those in the field of specific sciences. NASA Quest Challenges might be best for those who are older.

A galaxy of lesson plans, workbooks and other resources for teachers too. Imagine how these materials could make online tutoring sessions more effective. You're welcome!

Teachable

Boasting a fantastic reputation from people around the world, Teachable is a fantastic website housing endless resources that are crowdsourced by teachers themselves. Many of the self-paced lessons feature a good deal of games and quizzes that are designed for all subjects and year groups, including students in the UK who are going through A-levels.

Creative Chemistry

Covering games that are related to the topic of chemistry, students and teachers can visit the Creative Chemistry website during class time to find games, quizzes, worksheets and resources covering all things molecular for KS3, KS4 and KS5.

Chemistry isn't a topic covered during primary school, so it's best that you save these courses for older students. 

Adventure Academy

From the creators of ABC Mouse, Adventure Academy is for kids aged 8-13 and helps students with reading, maths, science, and more by introducing games that are easily accessible and fun. Adventure Academy is free for 30 days and then you have to pay a small fee. However, it's worth it since there are the following benefits:

  • The possibility to learn from anywhere, 
  • 4000+ activities and games, 
  • No commitment, 
  • The ability to track your progress. 

Mangahigh

a simple activity
If you're introducing games to younger students in the classroom, the simpler the better. (Source: Unsplash)

Do you like manga yet need help with maths? Mangahigh mixes the best of both worlds. For instance, Mangahigh makes full use of the popularity of Japanese Manga throughout the site. The experts at Mangahigh go out of their way to change traditional perceptions of maths, using casual and colourful games to tackle crunchy subjects like quadratic equations.

If you're feeling sceptical and unsure, it's worth taking a look at their reviews to convince yourself.

PBS Kids Games

Produced by the wonderful and reputable PBS, the website PBS Kids Games has various video games that are related to education. The website is divided into three sections of games: new games, popular games, and winter games. Take a look for yourself to see if PBS has the correct educational activities for your age group.

There you have it, the top ten websites that feature games to play with students of all ages in the classroom. Whether you're a student or a teacher, we greatly recommend taking a look at each site to explore for yourself and be ready to suggest interactive resources in your classroom.

Remember, no matter how boring a topic can be, it's all fun and games if you have the right attitude!

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Brentyn

Avid movie-goer, reader, skier and language learner. Passionate about life, food and travelling.