Building blocks are interactive tools that are very useful for teaching children about colors, numbers, letters and math. Use colored blocks to play games where children must match colors or identify primary colors. With older students, play games where they must identify which color you get when two colors are mixed. Use lettered blocks for letter games such as spelling basic words, unscrambling words and stacking vowels. Students can use numbered blocks to solve math equations; for example, children can place the correct answer, such as a block labeled "6", on top of two stacked blocks labeled "3" to represent "3 + 3."
Divide students into teams and challenge them to build complex mazes from cardboard boxes. This is best done in a large open space, such as outside, if the weather permits, or in a gymnasium. This game will promote teamwork among the children and encourage them to use their problem solving skills if an issue with their maze arises. The boxes can be secured using duct tape and, if storage is an issue, the mazes can simply be recycled once the game is over. A fun extension of this is to have the different groups test out each other's mazes and evaluate them in terms of difficulty and design.
Popsicle stick creations are another building game that promotes teamwork among classmates. Divide students into groups and provide each group with glue and several bags of Popsicle sticks. Instruct each team to use their imaginations to work together and develop a design to build with the Popsicle sticks. Encourage children to think beyond the basic designs of fences and boxes. Once the designs have been built, the children can set up their creations in a central area for other groups to view.
Another fun building game for students is the creation of a classroom wall. Provide each child with a building block and craft supplies such as markers, paint and craft jewels with which to customize it. Have the children write their names on the side of the block that they wish to be facing outwards from the wall. When the blocks are finished, stack and glue them together in a prominent area of the classroom. Each block will be different and the wall itself will be representative of the individuals who make up the classroom. You can also play this building game with round, flat stones or, for a smaller wall, Popsicle sticks.