Fun Activities for Middle School Students: Games & Lesson Ideas
If you’re looking for some fun games for middle school students, you’re definitely in the right place. Keep on reading for all the classroom games for middle school that you could possibly need!
Fun activities for middle schoolers
Fun Games and Activities for Middle School Students
Let’s get into the games for middle schoolers to try out. They are challenging, engaging, interactive and can be used for variety of topics and situations.
#1: Charades
I’m sure everyone has played charades before. You have to act out some words or phrases for your team who has to get what that word or phrase is. My middle school students really enjoy this game and I’m sure yours will as well!
#2: Apples to Apples With Middle Schoolers
Check out this fun vocabulary game. You can make your own deck, or have a look for the actual game. It’s easy to find in any store, or on a place like Amazon. Either way, it makes a really nice activity and the best part is that it’s at least partly educational!
#3: The Line-Up Game
This is a fun game for middle school that is a serious test of teamwork. Have a look here for all the details:
#4: Concentration
Try out this fun game that is a serious test of memory!
#5: Riddles
Who doesn’t love a good riddle, right? Here are some of the best ones (with answers!).
#6: Triva for Middle School Students
A nice option for middle schoolers is to do some trivia. Here are a few options:
#7: 20 Questions
This game is a nice option if you have a few spare minutes at the end of class and need to kill some time. Choose a secret thing and students can ask yes/no questions to figure out what it is. My rule is that a guess counts as a question as well to prevent random guessing.
#8: A to Z Game For Middle School Students
Try out this quick game for a nice warm-up activity:
#9: Pictionary
Pictionary is very similar to charades, except that you have to draw the word or phrase, instead of acting it out. It makes a really nice activity for this age group. Try it out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbD2b2-lHxo
#10: Name 5
This is a simple race game. Put students into pairs and tell them to, “Name 5 _____.” (sweet breakfast foods, sports that use a stick, popular vacation destinations, etc.). The first team to write down 5 things can put up their hand and the teacher can check.
#11: Password
Have some fun with vocabulary. This game requires students to work in teams and give hints about secret words. Try it out:
Fun middle schooler activities and games[/caption]
#12: What Am I? Middle School Game
You may have played this game at a party before. Write down some famous people, animals, things, etc. on Post-it notes. Then, put one one each student’s back. They have to circulate around the class, asking yes/no questions to their classmates to try to figure out who or what they are.
#13: Have a Debate with Middle School Students
Middle school students have strong opinions about almost everything! Have a look here at some of the best things to talk about:
#14: The Memory Circle Game
Check out this challenging memory game that can be used for a variety of topics.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbVup8yeu4c
#15: Math Riddles
If you want to have some fun with middle school math, have a look at some of these riddles:
#16: Word Origins
My students love learning about the origins of common idioms and phrases. Try it out with yours!
#17: Draw This! for Middle School
Try out this simple activity that focuses on communication skills. Put students into pairs and find a picture of something. One student faces the picture and has to describe it to their partner who can’t see it. Compare the end results with the original version.
#18: Sports Vocabulary Quiz
If you have a sporty class, check out this fun vocabulary quiz. It’s challenging, interactive and a nice way to have some fun with your students.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3-u3-89cHY
#19: Scattergories
Give students a list of categories (e.g., animals, food, countries) and a letter of the alphabet. They have a limited time to write down words that fit each category starting with that letter. The goal is to come up with unique answers that others may not have thought of.
#20: Kahoot
Create interactive quizzes using the Kahoot platform or other similar quiz-making tools. Students can compete individually or in teams, answering questions on various subjects. It’s engaging and provides opportunities for learning and friendly competition.
#21: Taboo
Give students a word, and they must describe it to their classmates without using certain “taboo” words. It helps develop vocabulary, communication skills, and critical thinking.
#22: Balloon Pop Relay
Divide students into teams. Each team must race to pop balloons by sitting on them or using other creative methods. It’s a high-energy game that encourages teamwork, coordination, and friendly competition.
#23: Spelling Bee
Organize a spelling competition where students take turns spelling words aloud. Start with easier words and gradually increase the difficulty. It’s a fun way to improve spelling skills and build confidence.
#24: Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of items or clues that students must find within a designated area. It can be done indoors or outdoors. Scavenger hunts promote problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking.
#25: Minute to Win It Challenges
Set up a series of short, timed challenges using everyday objects. For example, students must stack cups into a pyramid, transfer objects with chopsticks, or complete other fun tasks within one minute. It’s fast-paced and encourages creativity, dexterity, and quick thinking.
FAQs for Fun Middle School Games
There are a number of common questions that teachers have about making class fun for middle schoolers. Here are the answers to some of the most popular ones.
What are some fun activities for middle school students to do in class?
- Team-based trivia games, where students compete in groups to answer questions.
- Hands-on science experiments or demonstrations to make learning interactive.
- Creative writing exercises, such as storytelling or creating their own comic strips.
- Role-playing activities or simulations to engage students in real-life scenarios.
- Collaborative art projects, such as mural painting or creating a class collage.
How can I make math class more enjoyable for middle school students?
- Incorporate math games and puzzles to make learning more interactive and engaging.
- Use real-life examples and applications of math concepts to show their relevance.
- Provide opportunities for group work and collaborative problem-solving.
- Introduce hands-on activities that involve measuring, constructing shapes, or using manipulatives.
- Gamify math lessons by using online math platforms or creating a points/rewards system.
What are some fun physical education activities for middle school students?
Organize team sports like basketball, soccer, or volleyball tournaments. You can also set up obstacle courses or relay races to promote physical fitness and teamwork. Consider offering dance or Zumba classes to make exercise enjoyable and enhance coordination.
How can I make history class more engaging for middle school students?
You can make history class more interesting by conducting debates or doing mock trials to encourage critical thinking and understanding of historical events. You might also ceate interactive timelines or historical dioramas to visualize historical periods.
What are some fun activities for middle school students to do during breaks or downtime?
- Set up a board game corner with a variety of games for students to play.
- Create a reading nook with a selection of age-appropriate books and magazines.
- Provide art supplies for drawing, coloring, or crafting activities.
- Encourage students to engage in physical activities, such as jumping rope or playing with a soft ball.
- Have a designated “brain break” area with puzzles, brain teasers, or Sudoku for mental stimulation.
- Have a designated “brain break” area with puzzles, brain teasers, or Sudoku for mental stimulation.
Fun Activities for 8th Graders
There are many fun activities for 8th graders that can be both fun and educational. Here are some ideas:
STEM Challenges: Designing and building structures, creating simple machines, or conducting science experiments.
Creative Writing: Writing short stories, poems, or scripts for skits.
Debates: Discussing and debating current events or ethical issues.
Art Projects: Painting, drawing, or sculpting.
Historical Role-Playing: Acting out scenes from history or famous literature.
Team Sports: Organizing games like soccer, basketball, or volleyball.
Community Service: Volunteering for local organizations or participating in clean-up projects.
Math Games: Playing math-related games to reinforce concepts.
Book Clubs: Reading and discussing books as a group.
Science Fair: Conducting experiments and presenting findings.
These activities can help students develop various skills while having fun and interacting with their peers.
