Engaging Classroom Board Games

Looking for fun and meaningful ways to engage your students? This is the place to explore creative, out-of-the-box games designed especially for middle schoolers! While students may be growing older, it’s important to remember—they still love to play. Games can be a powerful tool for learning, connection, and growth at any age.

These activities aren’t just fun—they also help build social-emotional skills, foster teamwork, and encourage creative thinking.

Below, you'll find a collection of games that:

• Boost engagement in the classroom

• Support collaboration and communication

• Strengthen emotional awareness and self-regulation

• Promote critical and creative thinking

Bring energy and joy into your classroom while building essential skills—through play!

GAMES

🦀 I'm a Little Crabby

A student plays the role of a grumpy "crab" and must keep a straight face while others ask silly questions to get them to laugh. A great way to build emotional regulation and classroom connection through humor.

🥤 Guess That Cup

Hide a small object under one of several cups and mix them up. Students take turns guessing where the object is. Add a twist by letting them ask yes/no questions or earn clues through answering review questions. This game boosts attention to detail and memory skills.

🕵️ Classroom Clue

Inspired by the classic mystery game! Create a classroom mystery (Who took the hall pass? Who moved the globe?). Students use logic and deduction to solve the case, practicing critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.

🎭 Emotion Charades

Students act out different emotions or social scenarios without speaking while others guess what they're portraying. Perfect for practicing empathy, non-verbal communication, and self-awareness.

🎲 Roll & Respond

Use a dice-rolling system to answer review questions or reflect on a topic. Each number corresponds to a different prompt or challenge. This is a flexible game that works for any subject!

🗣️ Would You Rather - Classroom Edition

Pose silly, serious, or thought-provoking "Would You Rather" questions to spark conversation and build a safe space for discussion. Great for morning meetings or winding down.

🧠 We Listen and We Don’t Judge

In this reflective and community-building game, students sit in a circle and respond to thoughtful prompts such as:

• “What’s something you’re proud of?”

• “Describe a time you felt brave.”

• “What’s something people might not know about you?”

One person speaks at a time while the rest of the group practices active listening—no interrupting, laughing, or commenting during the share. After everyone has had a turn, the group can reflect on what they learned.

This game promotes empathy, trust, and emotional safety. It reminds students that everyone's story matters and helps create a culture where they feel seen, heard, and respected.