Although Jenga is a fun game and unites a group of people together through play, there are many benefits to the game that you may not be aware of. Jenga encourages patience, cognitive development, and hand-eye coordination. Putting a spin on the game, we’ve compiled 20 unique ways to play and listed them below for your gaming pleasure! From discussing emotions, working some exercise into your day, and even reviewing work previously taught- we’ve got all the best ideas!
1. Active Jenga
Active Jenga is a fantastic game idea for those chilly mornings in the classroom. Not only will it get your learners up and moving, but this type of movement is also proven to better concentration levels for the learning ahead! Cut out and stick the action blocks, linked below, onto the blocks and proceed to play the game as you normally would.
Learn More: While He Was Napping
2. Conversation Jenga
Conversation Jenga is the perfect ice breaker for new groups as it gives players an opportunity to indulge in conversation. You’re free to write all sorts of questions on your blocks, but if you’re at a loss for inspiration, we’ve linked an awesome set of ideas below.
Learn More: Pinterest
3. Multiplication Jenga
If you’re looking for a unique way to get your learners to practice their math, then look no further! Learners can pull out a block from the stack and answer the problem printed on it. This game can also be extended to practice other sums such as those dealing with division or addition and subtraction for younger learners.
Learn More: Organized Classroom
4. Sight word Jenga
This rendition of the classic strategy game is best suited to grade 1 learners who are still learning the basics of reading. Learners are encouraged to pull a block from the stack, sound out the word and then pronounce it normally.
Learn More: Soaring Into Second Grade
5. Feelings Game
An awesome take on Jenga for teens is the feelings game. We’d even recommend this for play therapy groups in an attempt to spark conversation around one’s feelings. Games and conversations centered around emotions are fantastic ways to enhance a child’s emotional intelligence.
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6. Vertical assembly
Instead of assembling the Jenga blocks horizontally as you traditionally would, place them vertically instead! Of course, this version of the game requires slightly more forethought and concentration so we’d recommend it to children aged 9 and up.
Learn More: Instructables
7. Test Prep Review Game
Find these marvelously colored Jenga blocks on Amazon and use each color to review a different skill or area of learning. As pictured below, the game has been used to review math sums. Questions can be ticked off once answered so that players get the chance to answer new ones each round.
Learn More: Sweet Tooth Teaching
8. Therapy Jenga
This is perfect for young ones to play with their families or even during a therapy session. Questions that come out in therapy Jenga are intended to get players to talk about their emotions and discuss hard-hitting topics whilst still feeling that they are doing so in a light-hearted manner.
Learn More: DIY Danielle
9. Would You Rather
Would you rather questions can be written on the Jenga blocks and as players pull a block they’re invited to answer the question? The questions can either be silly or thought-provoking, but one thing’s for sure- this is a fun conversational game!
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10. Literary Jenga
English teachers this one’s for you! Not only is this a great way to study more in-depth themes of a novel, but it also gives learners an opportunity to revise parts of speech, grammar, and more! The great thing about this game is that the cards on each block can be changed up to suit the grade and section of work they are covering.
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
11. Jenga Chores
The best way to make chore time fun is to turn it into a game! Not only does this method help to get everyone involved in work around the house or classroom but it also makes the designation of tasks fair.
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12. Truth Or Dare
We all grew up playing truth or dare, but thanks to Jenga, the stakes have been raised! Players pull a block and either answer a question truthfully or complete the dare written on the block.
Learn More: Amazon
13. Simple Block Play
Simple block play is best suited to kindergarten learners. Challenge your kids to build the tallest tower or most creative building they can possibly imagine. Games such as these give kids an opportunity to develop their fine motor skills and abstract thinking.
Learn More: Love And Lollipops
14. Game Of Gratitude
Write different spheres of life onto your jenga block set. Once a block is pulled each player can spend time discussing why they are grateful for it. Games such as these are great for teaching young ones not to take their blessings for granted.
Learn More: Momtastic
15. 2D Shapes Game
Revise 2D shapes with the help of this unique Jenga game. Each player will revise a shape card and then pull a block from the stack. Based on the color they pull they will answer the question on the shape review sheet.
Learn More: Jennifer Findley
16. Busy Bag
Busy bag encourages children to put their creative thinking as well as problem-solving skills to the test. The game can be played individually or within a group. Players are challenged to replicate the shape depicted on their cards by building a 3D version using their Jenga blocks.
Learn More: Etsy
17. Valentine’s Day Tumble Game
The perfect game to bring about feel-good emotions! Not only can this game be played on Valentine’s day, but also all year round. It’s an awesome way to give young children an opportunity to learn to express themselves verbally and physically.
Learn More: Tried And True Blog
18. Yoga Jenga
By writing out different young positions on your set of Jenga blocks, you can review them whilst playing! If you’re not a yogi yourself and are wanting to get into the practice, we’d recommend having your phone handy to look up the pose before the next person pulls a block from the stack.
Learn More: Shining Kids Yoga
19. Jenga Bomb
Jenga Bomb puts its players under pressure by using a self-destruct timer to get them to make their move within a certain time frame. As if it weren’t tricky enough playing the game the traditional way!
Learn More: Trend Hunter
20. Reviewing Parts Of Speech
As with the 2D shapes review listed above, Jenga can also be used to review parts of speech. Based on the color block a learner pulls, they will need to answer the corresponding question noted on the review sheet.
Learn More: Jennifer Findley
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