Being a tween or a teen is a difficult moment in life and there are a lot of ups and downs. Home life might be so great. Unemployment is on the rise and with all of the things that are happening in the world, teens have lost their spark. These kinds of activities will let them be kids again.
1. Let's go to Africa
There are many Africans living around the world. Let's explore their culture and customs, which will help teach tolerance and acceptance of others in our multi-cultural cities. Understand why stereotypes are wrong, the real drama between the rich and poor. You can even have an African dance competition.
Learn More: African Activities
2. Scavenger hunt for secondary students. First week.
When students move from elementary school to secondary, it can be a big change. Why not ease them into the transition by preparing a scavenger hunt around their new school and leaving little clues so they have to run from one section to the other collecting them? Once they have finished, they will be familiar with the school and they have to figure out the anagram at the end. "Welcome to our school." Transition is easy.
Learn More: TCS
3. Public Speaking Presentation
Public speaking is something that must be learned and practiced starting in primary and secondary. Teens need to get over their inhibitions to speaking in front of a crowd. If they prepare themselves well and use tips and tricks to use the classroom and the 4 points method where they don't start at the front of the class and move around because at any moment they might ask someone a question to keep the students on their toes. The debate club is a popular extracurricular activity that builds futures.
Learn More: Pinterest
4. Maths inspired by NASA?
We know that either you get math or you don't, and not all of us are math geniuses. That is why we need to find fun in math. Here are some activities linking Space Exploration to Geometry and Algebra. These kinds of activities will keep the students keen on maths and who knows, they might even join the Math Club afterward.
Learn More: NASA
5. Be the next composer
Most teens love music, and it is a common conversation ground for all. They love chatting about it and hearing the songs over and over again. It is also a way for them to express their emotions too. So if you want an engaging lesson, teach them using some simple tools how they can be composing music in no time.
Learn More: Dynamic Music Room
6. Kahoot is a hoot
With Kahoot, you can do Music Trivia, Presentations, Games, and all kinds of activities. Create it and share it. For Students, it is 100 % free of digital fun. You can host games and make a study plan to help you pass. Literally, make learning an awesome experience with Kahoot's popular list of activities.
Learn More: Kahoot
7. Drama games are great icebreakers
Teens and tweens need time and lots of effort to open up, so why not give them a little nudge with some fun drama games? Great way to start or finish any class and drama activities are a super way to spend a bit of time and have a laugh. Drama should be a part of the school program.
Learn More: Drama Tips
8. Science cannot stay in the textbook
If you want to motivate students to really get into science and understand it, they have to do it outside of the class, in their own parks, fields, swamps, rivers, lakes, and mountains. How can you teach about water quality if they have not seen it, collected it, and tested it first hand? This site will guide you with worksheets and lesson plans for the students to enter outside of the class into their community and really get inspired.
Learn More: Every Teacher Everyday
9. Let's make the History Class the new Hot Topic
Let's face it, if you say history lessons, the teen's face drop and their eyes get droopy, and think why do we have to learn about this, it's not relevant. So here are some engaging class activities that will stop their boredom in its tracks with lots of resources.
Learn More: Classroom Synonym
10. Get kids into reading before they turn 17!
Generation Z and Alpha are not really readers and we have a mission to get teens into reading before they turn 17! It is a difficult mission, but not impossible. With the right tasks and motivation that build their curiosity again, in no time the teens will have their eyes off the screen and into the books! This is imperative for their future that they enjoy reading and looks great on their college application if they are readers.
Learn More: Kids Konnect
11. It's Game time
For a period of time, playing video games is OK but if you can steer your middle school and high schooler into educational games that's even better. This site has a nice collection of games that younger secondary students will love and they might learn something too.
Learn More: 9ija Kids
12. Where in the world is Carmen, San Diego?
This is a classic game that teaches geographical locations, maps, and culture and can be easily adapted. Hundreds of free resources and extras. Step-by-step instructions on how to get the most out of the game are provided. Students have a blast and teachers can feel good about their learning ability.
Learn More: HMH Co.
13. Make your own video for demonstration
These are some pretty cool videos done by little kids, so since we are talking about secondary they should be able to make some excellent instructional videos just like these kids...right? It is not as easy as it looks. Practice makes perfect.
Learn More: Big Ideas 4 Little Scholars
14. Back to the board (Tabu)
This game is played in pairs or in small groups. It is for vocabulary revision. 2 or more have to describe a mime or demonstrate the word without saying it. The student with their back to the board has to guess the vocabulary word.
Learn More: London School
15. Learn French through music
Learning a language through music lyrics and filling in the blanks is fun. It's challenging to hear the tune in your target language and try to complete the song. Listening to music in the classroom is a nice break for foreign language activities.
Learn More: Lyrics Gaps
16. Charades?
There are so many indoor or outdoor games that you can play with large groups of teens. What is important is to get them hooked on these mini icebreaker games. Then they will have your respect when it comes to following instructions and asking questions. These games are team-building activities too.
Learn More: Great Group Games
17. Close-up or Zoomed in photographs
This is a wonderful game and easy to do. Students have to look at a Zoomed-in image, guess what it is, and justify their answer. Once the students have written their answers on paper, they reveal what they think it is. This game can be played in any language for practice.
Learn More: Great Group Games
18. What's your story?
We all have a story to tell but we might need a little help in putting it together. Not all of us are like Miguel Cervantes who wrote "Don Quixote". This is a fun site that teaches and guides teens into creative writing and this will open up doors for them. These are meaningful activities that teach much more than writing.
Learn More: Summer Reading NYS
19. Robotics Rocks!
These popular activities are cool. Making a rainbow out of salt or electricity with a lemon. Your first robot "Homemade Wiggle Bot" and much more. Fun, easy, and straightforward, and teens will love them.
Learn More: 18 Robotics Activities for Middle School Students
20. Paintchip poetry
This is a game that can be played in the classroom. Follow the guidelines for beautiful poetry. Even the student who complains because they can't write anything will be surprised and proud of their own poem.
Learn More: Pinterest
21 Educational Digital Word Games for School-aged Kids