Select an academic subject. Each educational game must tie back to an academic subject that is part of your teaching curriculum. You may select from math, reading, spelling or science.
Create an educational game. Use the supplies in your classroom that are readily available, such as rubber bouncing balls, art supplies, file folders and anything else that can play a part in the game. Kindergartners enjoy hands-on and physical activities, so keep this in mind as you develop the game.
Test out the game. Before presenting it to your class, spend some time trying out the game to see if it is effective for what you want students to learn and do. You would not want to assume that the game is effective, and then find out that it does not make sense or that students do not see the value in it. Make changes to the game as necessary.
Give your students a short lesson on the subject material. This prepares them with what they need to know, as well as sets the stage for the educational game that they will play. It would not be fair to make your kindergartners play a counting game when you have not yet taught them about counting.
Introduce the educational game. If you are using materials, present them to your kindergartners as you describe how the game works. This means that if the game involves file folders, hold up the file folder to show to your class. This will help them identify what the game pieces look like. Relate the educational game back to the subject lesson that they just learned.
Ask your students if they have any questions before you start playing. Give kindergartners a chance to gain clarification, and do your best to ensure that the game makes sense to the group.
Put your kindergartners into position for the game. This is the time to assemble your students into groups -- if the game involves teams -- or ask them to stand in a circle in the middle of the classroom. Preparations may also include distributing materials. Once students are in position, you can start the game.
Give your kindergartners an adequate amount of time to play the educational game. The timing should be based on how much time you want to dedicate to the activity in your daily curriculum. Keep an eye on the clock as kids play the game.
Participate in the educational game with your students. Be available for them to ask you questions along the way. After the game is over, instruct students to go back to their assigned seats and hold a discussion about the game. Ask students what they learned and what they liked or didn't like about the game.