Kindergarten: Games Unit
A 5-week exploration of games and their role in our lives
Unit Overview
This Games unit introduces kindergarten students to different types of games, who we play with, where we play, what we need to play games, and how we can improve our game-playing skills. Through hands-on activities, observations, and explorations, students will develop an understanding of games as social activities that require skills, rules, and often specific materials.
The unit integrates language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies while building social skills, physical coordination, and an understanding of rules and fair play.
Essential Questions
- Are all games fun?
- What games do I like to play?
- Who do I play games with?
- Where do I play games?
- What do I need to play games?
- How can I get better at playing games?
Unit Description
The Games unit is designed to engage kindergarten students in exploring different types of games, understanding the social aspects of game play, and developing skills needed for various games. Through a variety of hands-on activities, children will explore games they enjoy, who they play with, where games are played, what is needed to play games, and how they can improve their game-playing skills.
Unit Structure
This unit is organized into five thematic weeks:
Week 1
What games do I like to play?
Exploring favorite games and game preferences
Week 2
Who do I play games with?
Understanding the social aspects of games
Week 3
Where do I play games?
Exploring different environments for games
Week 4
What do I need to play games?
Identifying materials, rules, and skills for games
Week 5
How can I get better at playing games?
Developing skills and practicing good sportsmanship
Each week includes daily lesson plans, featured activities, recommended children's literature, and cross-curricular connections to provide a comprehensive learning experience.
Weekly Overview
Week 1: What games do I like to play?
Exploring favorite games and game preferences
Students begin their games exploration by identifying games they enjoy, discussing what makes games fun, and sharing their favorite games with classmates.
Week 2: Who do I play games with?
Understanding the social aspects of games
Students explore the social aspects of games, including playing with family, friends, and classmates, and learn about teamwork and cooperation.
Week 3: Where do I play games?
Exploring different environments for games
Students learn about different places where games are played, including indoor and outdoor environments, and natural versus built features.
Week 4: What do I need to play games?
Identifying materials, rules, and skills for games
Students discover what is needed to play different games, including materials, rules, and basic skills, and explore how forces like pushing and pulling are used in games.
Week 5: How can I get better at playing games?
Developing skills and practicing good sportsmanship
Students learn how to improve their game-playing skills through practice, following rules, and demonstrating good sportsmanship and fair play.
Teaching Tips
- Create a game center: Designate an area in your classroom for different types of games that students can explore during free choice time.
- Game helpers: Assign students to be "game experts" who can help explain rules and assist classmates with different games.
- Movement breaks: Use simple games like Simon Says or Follow the Leader for transitions between activities.
- Connect to literature: Use a variety of game-themed books to reinforce concepts across the curriculum.
- Family connections: Invite families to share traditional games from their cultures or favorite family games.
Resource Library
Books for Games Unit
- "Join In and Play" by Cheri J. Meiners
- "Play With Me" by Michelle Lee
- "Bad Kitty Does Not Like Video Games" by Nick Bruel
- "Can I Play Too?" by Mo Willems
- "Froggy Plays T-ball" by Jonathan London