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Environmental Studies · Class 5

Active learning ideas

Games We Play

Get ready to explore the fun-filled world of games, from the gullies of India to the screens in our hands. This topic helps students understand that play is not just fun, it's a super-important part of growing up!

CBSE Learning OutcomesNCERT EVS Class 5: Theme - Family and Friends
45–90 minPairs → Whole Class4 activities

Activity 01

Experiential Learning90 min · Small Groups

Traditional Games Mela

Students research a traditional Indian game from their family or region, creating a simple chart with its rules and origin. The class then holds a 'mela' in the school ground where groups demonstrate and teach their chosen game to others.

Compare a traditional Indian game like Kho-Kho with a modern game like video games.

Facilitation TipEncourage students to interview their parents or grandparents to gather authentic information about the games.

What to look forObserve students during a team game using a checklist to assess their cooperation, rule-following, and sportsmanship.

ApplyAnalyzeEvaluateSelf-AwarenessSelf-ManagementSocial Awareness
Generate Complete Lesson

Activity 02

Experiential Learning60 min · Small Groups

Design-a-Game Challenge

In groups, students invent a new game using simple props like balls, chalk, and hoops. They must write down a clear set of rules and then teach their game to another group.

Explain the rules of your favourite team game.

Facilitation TipProvide a simple template for writing rules to ensure clarity: Objective, How to Play, How to Win.

What to look forStudents create a 'Then and Now' chart comparing a game their parents played with a game they play, noting differences in rules, equipment, and skills.

ApplyAnalyzeEvaluateSelf-AwarenessSelf-ManagementSocial Awareness
Generate Complete Lesson

Activity 03

Formal Debate45 min · Whole Class

Formal Debate: Screen Time vs. Ground Time

Organise a structured debate on the topic 'Video games are better than outdoor games'. This encourages critical thinking and communication skills as students argue for and against the motion.

Evaluate the benefits of playing outdoors with friends.

Facilitation TipEnsure the debate focuses on healthy arguments and concludes with the importance of balancing both activities.

What to look forAfter a group activity, students complete a simple reflection slip: 'One thing I did well in my team was...' and 'Next time, I will try to...'.

AnalyzeEvaluateCreateSelf-ManagementDecision-Making
Generate Complete Lesson

Activity 04

Experiential Learning45 min · Individual

My Favourite Game Rulebook

Each student creates a small, illustrated rulebook for their favourite team game. This helps them articulate rules clearly and understand their importance for fair play.

Compare a traditional Indian game like Kho-Kho with a modern game like video games.

Facilitation TipCreate a class library corner to display the finished rulebooks for everyone to read and learn.

What to look forObserve students during a team game using a checklist to assess their cooperation, rule-following, and sportsmanship.

ApplyAnalyzeEvaluateSelf-AwarenessSelf-ManagementSocial Awareness
Generate Complete Lesson

A few notes on teaching this unit

Start with a simple question: 'What is your favourite game and why?' Use this to build a discussion. Incorporate actual playtime into your lessons, and encourage students to share stories of games their family members play, connecting the topic to their personal lives.

By the end of this topic, students will be able to explain why we play, compare old and new games, and understand what it means to be a good team player.


Watch Out for These Misconceptions

  • Playing games is just a waste of time and not as important as studying.

    Playing is essential for our growth. It makes our bodies strong, teaches us to work in a team, solve problems, and manage our feelings, all of which help us study better too.

  • Only boys play rough games like cricket and kabaddi, and girls play quiet games like hopscotch.

    Games are for everyone. Anyone can enjoy any game based on their interest and skill, not based on whether they are a boy or a girl.

  • Winning is the only important thing in a game.

    While winning is fun, the most important things are participating, trying your best, playing fairly, and having fun with friends. This is called good sportsmanship.


Methods used in this brief