Looking for a way to make review time less stressful and more engaging? Tired of worksheets and low-participation during centers? Hands-on games are the answer. With the right mix of fun, structure, and academic content, they can transform your classroom into a space where students are excited to practice skills and you don’t feel overwhelmed with prep.
That’s why I created a bundle of hands-on games designed for K-5 classrooms that cover both math and reading skills. The format stays the same all year long, while the content changes with the standards you’re teaching. Each game type is easy to introduce, quick to prep, and fun enough that your students will actually ask to play them again and again.
Inside the bundles, you’ll find five types of classroom games:
Here’s how each one works, why students love them, and how they support meaningful, hands-on learning that sticks.
Interested in hands-on games helping students learn? Check this freebie out!
Build It games turn everyday practice into an exciting visual challenge. Each time students solve a question, they earn a new piece to build a themed picture—like an ice cream sundae, castle, carnival, or outer space scene. The goal? Finish the picture by answering questions correctly. This structure keeps students focused, motivated, and eager to keep solving.
Each hands-on games bundle comes packed with 40 unique Build It games, and every one includes a matching set of task cards. That means no matter what season you’re in or skill you’re reviewing, there’s always a fresh scene ready to go. From counting to comprehension, the variety makes it easy to align with what you’re already teaching.
Prep is simple: print and cut the pieces once, store them in labeled envelopes or bins, and pull them out when you need a quick, low-prep activity. These hands-on games work well for independent centers, small group time, fast finishers, or sub plans. Students stay engaged because they’re building something as they learn—it feels like a puzzle, but it’s full of meaningful practice.
Grab It games bring a burst of fast-paced energy into your classroom. These games are built around quick thinking, friendly competition, and instant feedback. As soon as a question card is revealed, students race to grab the correct matching answer card before anyone else does. It’s a simple structure that keeps everyone alert, engaged, and eager to participate.
Each hands-on games bundle includes 25+ themed Grab It games, covering a wide range of skills in both math and reading. Whether it’s sight words, number bonds, or vocabulary, students are practicing essential content—but they’re so focused on being the first to grab the card that it never feels like work. It’s a perfect mix of learning and play.
These games are ideal for centers, partners, small groups, or even whole-class warm-ups. You can pull them out for fast finishers, review days, or just to shake up your usual routine. The best part? Kids ask to play them again and again. And with a variety of themes, you can rotate sets all year long to match seasons, holidays, or units.
If your students thrive with movement and friendly competition, Grab It games are a must-have in your toolkit. They’re easy to prep, easy to play, and full of hands-on learning your class won’t forget.
Playing Card games bring a playful twist to classroom review. Just shuffle the deck, flip a card, and dive into skill practice without the eye-rolls. Whether students are identifying sight words, counting coins, or solving math facts, they stay engaged because the format feels like a game—not another worksheet.
Each hands-on games bundle includes 30 different playing card decks, giving you endless flexibility. You can mix and match skills, change the rules, and keep things fresh throughout the year. From quick partner work to full-class review games, these cards work in just about any setting.
Playing Cards are especially great for centers or stations because they’re low-prep and easy to explain. Students can pick up a deck and start playing with minimal instruction. Whether you use them for matching, memory, Go Fish-style games, or custom challenges, you’re giving kids multiple chances to practice—and enjoy it.
They’re also a lifesaver for early finishers or those moments when you need a 5-minute filler that still packs academic value. Once your students learn the format, they’ll ask to play again and again—and you’ll love that they’re getting hands-on learning with every turn.
Crossword puzzles bring a brainy twist to skill practice—and students don’t even realize how much they’re learning! Each puzzle weaves together math, reading, vocabulary, or spelling skills in a fun, engaging way. Instead of the usual routine, students get to solve clues, fill in boxes, and build their knowledge word by word.
Each hands-on games bundle includes 50+ crossword puzzles, with word banks to support students as needed. These are perfect for reinforcing key terms and concepts in a way that feels more like a game than an assignment. Whether you’re reviewing math facts or practicing new vocabulary words, crossword puzzles help students make connections and build confidence.
Teachers love how easy they are to use. Just print and go—no cutting, sorting, or explaining required. These are a go-to option for fast finishers, morning work, or sub plans when you need something academic and low-prep. They’re also great for students who enjoy working independently and thrive on logic-based challenges.
Crosswords are more than just word games—they’re skill boosters in disguise. With so many grade-level options and topics, you’ll always have a puzzle ready that meets your students right where they are.
Dominoes turn skill practice into fast-paced, hands-on fun. Students solve, check, and click the next piece in place as they work to complete the chain. It’s all about matching—whether it’s math facts, phonics patterns, or vocabulary definitions—and it keeps kids thinking and moving the entire time.
Each hands-on games bundle includes 30 colorful domino decks that are ready to print and use. With topics for both math and reading, you can quickly grab a set that fits your current lesson. There’s no waiting around or getting bored—students stay engaged as they look for the next match and race to finish the trail.
These games are perfect for independent work, centers, or small groups. They also make great early finisher activities and review tools. Once students know how to play, they can grab a set and get started with no help needed.
If you’re looking for a simple way to ditch the worksheets and make review more interactive, dominoes are a no-brainer. They’re low-prep, self-checking, and packed with learning—all disguised as a game.
Hands-on games don’t just make learning more fun—they make it stick. Whether you’re targeting math fluency, vocabulary, reading skills, or just trying to keep your class engaged, these five game types offer ready-to-use solutions you can count on. With low-prep formats, built-in variety, and year-round themes, it’s easy to keep things fresh without reinventing your lesson plans every week. If you’re looking for a fun, practical way to boost learning in both math and reading, these games are the perfect place to start.
A: Every bundle includes versions for multiple grade levels—typically kindergarten through fifth grade—so you can choose the right fit for your students.
A: Nope! Most games are print-and-go. Some require simple cutting or sorting, but once prepped, they’re easy to store and reuse all year (and the following years!)
A: Yes! There are bundles available for both math and reading so you can grab the ones that work best for YOU!
A: Many are! Games like Dominoes and Grab It are designed so students can check their own work as they play.
A: Absolutely. They work well for centers, independent practice, partner work, sub plans, or anytime you want learning to feel more like play.
A: Not at all. Once students learn each game format, you can keep the structure the same and just swap out the content as they grow.
Love the idea of these hands-on games but don’t have time to create them yourself? I’ve got you covered. Each bundle comes with ready-to-use versions of all 5 game types—perfect for centers, small groups, early finishers, or independent practice. With over 180 games across math and reading skills, you’ll have engaging, low-prep activities at your fingertips all year long.
Click here to explore each grade level bundle and see what’s inside!