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Writer's pictureOPAL Teacher Training

Game-Based Back-to-School Activities to Motivate Your Students

As we stand on the brink of a new school year, we're thrilled to share some classroom magic that has brought a world of excitement to our first days of school. These are no ordinary back-to-school activities - they're not only game-based (which everyone loves), but they're also like little sparks that will light your students up with curiosity and engagement. Creating motivation from the get-go is one of the most important parts of our job.


These back-to-school activities aren't about just changing things up; they're about nurturing genuine connections – between students, subjects, and the excitement of learning. And, let's be honest, you do want to leave a great first impression! :)


a globe sitting on a shelf in front of a window

🎨 Activity 1: Back-to-school "Mystery Map Mosaic" 🗺️


Transform your classroom into uncharted territory by creating a captivating "Mystery Map Mosaic" for an intriguing back-to-school experience. Here's how to do it:

  1. Preparation: Craft a large, intricate map with blank spaces or sections. Each space holds a hidden clue, riddle, or symbol that pertains to a classroom element or rule.

  2. Engagement: Present the incomplete map to your students. Intrigue them by explaining that unlocking the map's secrets will guide them to navigate the class rules, expectations, and even some surprises.

  3. Collaboration: Encourage students to work together, decoding clues and piecing the map together. As they unveil each section, discuss the corresponding classroom aspect.

  4. Reward: Celebrate their success with a small treasure chest containing fun rewards, like bonus points, a homework pass, or a chance to choose the next learning activity.


🎮 Activity 2: Back-to-school "Time-Traveler's Quest" ⏳


Embark on a captivating voyage to the future with the "Time-Traveler's Quest" where you'll give your students a glimpse into what they can expect in your subject this school year:

  1. Setup: Secretly transform your classroom into a time-travel hub with different "eras". Each area represents a topic that will be covered at a certain period in the future.

  2. Challenge: Provide students with a series of clues, puzzles, and challenges that lead them to different eras within the classroom. For instance, if you teach history, solving a math equation may transport them to ancient Egypt, while decoding a cipher could take them to Renaissance Italy.

  3. Exploration: In each zone, students must complete a mini-activity related to that era's subject. For example, in the Renaissance, they might recreate famous artwork, and in ancient Egypt, they could write their names in hieroglyphics.

  4. Discovery: As they travel through time, students get motivated for what's to come in your subject.

  5. Reflection: Conclude with a discussion where students share what they are most excited to learn about.



books from above

🎭 Activity 3: Back-to-school "Character Evolution Theater" 🎭


If you teach literature or social studies, step into the shoes of storytellers and ignite students' imagination with the captivating back-to-school "Character Evolution Theater." Here's how to orchestrate it:

  1. Dynamic Duo: Pair up students and assign each pair a character from a book they'll encounter this year.

  2. Time-Traveling Transformation: Challenge students to brainstorm and visualize how their assigned character might evolve throughout the story. How will challenges, experiences, and decisions shape their journey?

  3. Creative Showcase: Give pairs the opportunity to perform a short skit or monologue that depicts their character's transformation. They could use costumes, props, or even digital media to enhance their presentation. The game element could be that the other students have to guess who the pair is depicting and get points for it. This way you can also check their preknowledge.

  4. Reflect and Relate: After each performance, engage the class in a discussion about the themes and lessons embedded in each character's evolution. How can they connect these experiences to their own lives?


🎨 Activity 4: Back-to-school "Mural of Marvels" 🎨


Unleash the power of artistic expression and collaboration with the enchanting "Mural of Marvels", great for art classes. Watch your classroom walls come alive as students start a creative journey through the subjects that await them this year:

  1. Subject Stations: Set up stations around the room, each dedicated to a different subject. Equip each station with art supplies that resonate with the subject's essence.

  2. Expressive Exploration: Assign small groups of students to each station. Challenge them to collaboratively create a section of a classroom mural that represents the subject's core concepts, ideas, and potential real-world applications. This can be done on a wall, but if your school policies are more conservative, use a huge piece of paper which can then be put away and taken out once you get to the subject of that specific piece later in the year.

  3. Narrative Fusion: As groups work on their mural sections, give them specific quests and challenges to solve and encourage them to blend artistic elements with text, quotes, and symbols that capture the essence of the subject and the solutions to the game you gave them. Each group gets points for the elements they include.

  4. Gallery Showcase: Once complete, unveil the "Mural of Marvels" to the entire class. Take a guided tour of the mural, allowing each group to explain their creative choices and connections.


empty classroom with colorful  chairs and desks


📱 Activity 5: Back-to-school "Exploration Escapade" 🗺️


Step into the digital realm of GooseChase and embark on an "Exploration Escapade" that fuses technology with the joy of discovery. This interactive scavenger hunt will have your students venturing into the digital landscape while connecting with classroom content in an engaging and dynamic way.


🔍 How to Play:

  1. Set the Scene: Create a GooseChase game with a series of missions related to your subject or unit of study. Each mission should challenge students to explore, solve, or create within the app.

  2. Mission Variety: Design a mix of missions that cater to diverse learning styles. For instance, you could have tasks like creating a short video explaining a concept, solving a riddle related to your subject, or taking a photo that represents a key idea.

  3. Collaborative Spirit: Encourage students to team up and complete missions together. This promotes teamwork, communication, and a shared sense of accomplishment.

  4. Competition and Engagement: GooseChase adds an element of friendly competition. Set a time limit for the game, and watch as students immerse themselves in a thrilling race to complete missions and earn points.

  5. Reflection and Discussion: After the game, gather your students to discuss their experiences, insights, and discoveries. What did they learn? How did the missions enhance their understanding of what's to come this year?

By incorporating these imaginative activities into your classroom, you're crafting a back-to-school experience that transcends the ordinary and ignites a passion for learning. You'll set the tone of your class as being the one where learning happens by doing and hopefully inspire a new generation of inquisitive minds. Good luck!

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