First-Grade Children's Games
First graders have had a taste of formal education in kindergarten but are now standing on the threshold of more intense learning that will continue to become more challenging as the years go by. This first stage is a crucial one in a child's educational development, and games that reinforce what is being taught in the classroom are essential to the student's true understanding and application of the material.
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Puzzles and Board Games
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There are many companies that produce educational puzzles and games designed with the first grader in mind. Most strive to work on one or two specific skills that the student may be struggling with or simply need some practice outside of a textbook or worksheet to master. For example, some games have students string together words like a train in the proper order to teach sentence structure. Some help with phonics and basic math. Still others may introduce the child to social studies or science concepts.
Online Games
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Many online game sites offer educational games, but look for ones that take the extra steps of placing them in age appropriate categories and that provide a balanced variety of games that focus on specific skills. Some sites allow first graders to practice addition, subtraction, sequencing, basic reading and more in straightforward, easy-to-navigate interfaces that are designed for use in a school's computer lab. Other sites are a bit flashier and are divided into three-year categories rather than single-year categories. This means that games for first-grade students are sandwiched between those more suited for kindergartners or second graders. However, this can actually work to some students' advantage depending on where they are academically.
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Computer Software
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There are also many software companies that focus exclusively on education and offer quality products designed for first graders. Many have titles for all elementary ages, enabling children to easily transition from one level to another. Most have a wide variety of mini-games embedded in a larger storyline. Each of these games focuses on skills students need to master that are age and grade appropriate. Additionally, many software companies have websites where kids (and parents) can enhance their experience with more activities, games and resources.
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