Educational TechnologyNews
Best School Appropriate Games for Chromebook
Author: By Med Kharbach, PhD
Source
In today’s post I am sharing with you this interesting collection of educational games you can use with your students on Chromebooks. The list features a wide variety of games covering different subjects and skills including physics-based games, mystery games, quiz games, math games, word games, Arcade games, reading games, puzzles, and many more.
While some of these resources are Chrome extensions which work on any Chromebook, others are Android apps which require that your Chromebook supports Google Play. You can check this guide to learn whether your Chromebook supports Google Play or not.
1. Khan Academy Kids
Khan Academy Kids immerses kids in educational learning experiences using a wide variety of tools and resources including age-appropriate interactive games and activities. The app also offers books to “teach kids important skills like empathy, self-confidence, problem solving, and appreciating and accepting different cultures and perspectives”.
2. SplashLearn
SplashLearn is an Android app that helps kids learn math and reading through interactive games. Some of its features include: over 4000 reading and math games, educational activities, motivating rewards, books for kids, and more.
Math games cover various skill areas including multiplication, division, fractions, geometry, word problems, addition, subtraction, division, and more. As for reading games, they help kids learn sounds, alphabets, spelling, sight words, learn to read, and many more.
3. LogicLike: Games for kids
LogicLike offers a wide variety of games designed to help kids develop their thinking skills and enhance their learning. Kids work to solve various types of puzzles adapted to their ability and skill level. LogicLike puzzles include voiceovers, background music, and appealing graphics to keep kids focused on learning. Puzzles cover different topics including math, balance and weighing, chess for beginners, 3D-geometry, animals, countries, logic brain teasers, and more.
4. ABCya Games
ABCya offers tons of educational games for kids and preschoolers. Games are organized by grade level and skill with new content added on a monthly basis. However, to use ABCya games you need to subscribe or login to an existing account.
5. Minecraft
Minecraft features amazing games that involves kids using their thinking skills to create and build ‘everything from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles. Minecraft also embeds multiplayer mode allows kids to play with up to 10 friends on Realm, which is the private server provided by Minecraft.
Kids can also use their Xbox account to play with up to 4 friends online. They can “play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off dangerous mobs”.
6. PBS KIDS Games
PBS KIDS Games offers educational games designed for kids of all ages. There are science games, math games, reading games, art games, and many more. PBS games target various skills including STEM skills, social emotional learning skills, creativity, imagination, and more.
A number of these games are based on familiar PBS shows including: Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Wild Kratts, Donkey Hodie, Alma’s Way, Odd Squad, Pinkalicious & Peterrific, Arthur, Elinor Wonders Why, Let’s go Luna, and more.
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| Image credit: PBS KIDS app |
7. Little Alchemy
Little Alchemy game engages kids and students in various creative activities designing fun stuff by mixing simple elements. Every combination is a small puzzle for kids to work on. The game also includes leaderboards allowing kids to view their friends play. Little Alchemy is available in several languages including Spanish, Portuguese, German, French, Dutch, Norwegian, and more.
8. ABCmouse
ABCmouse is another good app that provides age appropriate games to use with kids on Chromebook. Like Khan Academy, ABCmouse offers a complete learning program that covers reading, math, art, music, among others, for kids ages 2 to 8. The app also offers access to a wide variety of learning materials including interactive games, learning activities, lessons, puzzles, books, videos, animations, and many more.
9. Rubiks Cube
Rubiks Cube Chrome extension allows kids and students to practice playing digital rubiks. The purpose of the game is to “get all the colors of the cube to align correctly together. Its a simple and fun game which will test your brain and mental skills.”
10. Chrome Piano
Chrome Piano is an extension that allows students to play piano right in their browsers. Students can record their own play or select a song from various artists. All they need to start using Chrome Piano is a keyboard and mouse.