Hobbies And Interests
Multiplication Bingo
Print out bingo cards from a template (see Resources). Each student receives a copy of the bingo card. Then students choose any of the 25 numbers at the bottom of the card, writing one in each square. Wait a few minutes for students to select the numbers. Then use a set of flash cards to choose a multiplication, addition or subtraction fact. Remove all the multiplication zero flash cards except one to make it less easy. Read the problem aloud from the flash card. Students must calculate the number and then mark it on their bingo cards if they have the right number. When students make horizontal, vertical or diagonal lines on their cards, they call out "Bingo!" and win the game.
Four Corners
This game can be played for third graders during a break or indoor recess period. Hang or place a number in four corners of the classroom. One child puts his head down and the rest quickly and silently walk to one of the corners while the student with his head down counts to 10. When finished counting, the student calls out one of the four numbered corners, and anyone standing in that corner sits down. The game repeats until only one student is left the winner.
Head's Up 7 Up
For a rainy recess afternoon, third grades can play this game inside too. The teacher picks seven students to start who come to the front. One of the seven is chosen as the leader, who says, "Heads down, thumbs up." Besides the seven chosen, the rest of the class put their heads down on their desks with their thumbs up. The seven chosen go around and touch one thumb each. Then they go back to the front and stand next to one another in a line up. The leader calls out, "Heads up, 7 up." The kids whose thumbs were picked stand up and try to guess who chose them. If the student guesses right, she replaces the one who chose her and becomes one of the pickers for the next round. If the student guesses wrong, he sits down.
Around the World
First, create large flash cards for any third grade subject that you want to play the game with, for example math problems. All the students sit in a circle. The teacher chooses a student to start the game. The child stands behind the next student in the circle to his right. The teacher raises the flash card with the clearly printed question. The first student in the circle to say the answer gets to stand behind the next person in the circle. If a sitting student says the answer before any other, the standing student must sit down in a designated "winner" chair. This process repeats until a student goes completely around the circle.