TEACHER GUIDE · CLASSROOM PRACTICE
Online classroom games for early years: choosing screen activities well
Use this quick framework to decide whether an online game is ready for a real early years classroom.
Start with the classroom moment
An online game works best when it has a job: settle the group, introduce an idea, practise a skill, or help children show what they understand. Start with that job before choosing a format.
For younger learners, the teacher remains the guide. The screen can hold the story or challenge, while children still point, speak, move, draw and use real objects.
A four-part quality check
Before sharing a game, check the language, interaction, pacing and access. Can children understand the first step? Is the action meaningful? Can you pause it? Does it work without every child needing an account?
- Language: short, concrete instructions
- Interaction: the child makes a decision, not just watches
- Pacing: a teacher can pause, replay or move on
- Access: safe, low-friction classroom launch
Keep the follow-up offline
Plan one physical or spoken follow-up. Count classroom objects after a number game, make a pattern with blocks, or ask children to draw a different solution. This turns a digital moment into a wider learning sequence.
QUICK ANSWERS
Frequently asked questions
Are online games suitable for preschool and kindergarten?
They can be, when the activity is short, purposeful, age-appropriate and guided by an adult. Choose games that invite active decisions and pair them with talk, movement or hands-on play.
What should teachers avoid in early years screen activities?
Avoid long passive videos, unclear instructions, distracting reward systems and activities that require children to manage complicated sign-ins or navigation.