Here is my list of games and apps that I recommend in the primary classroom:

(click here for numeracy games and apps)

PC Games:

The Legend of Zelda (1986) – my favorite for teaching storytelling. Click here to see in detail my Legend of Zelda project and unit of work.

Plague, Inc. – an interesting take on virus games as you the player are trying to infect the population, not save it.  Could be particularly engaging for teenage boys! http://www.ndemiccreations.com/en/25-plague-inc-evolved

Internet Games:

StudyLadder – a free resource for teachers to set up classes with individual student logins.  A variety of games, readers, and training tasks for all primary ages.  My students overall enjoy the choice of activities on studyladder.com

Brick Building Game – Free online virtual “lego-like” game.  http://www.brickbuildinggame.com/

Quiz Websites/Apps – Kahoot and Quizlet are two good programs you can use to make your own quizzes that then students can take online.

Sploder.com – Make and play video games. http://www.sploder.com/

Games by Lucas Pope – a list of video games likely for upper primary students – many are ship/sailing themed. http://dukope.com/

Garry’s Mod – A sandbox PC/Mac game.  Costs $9.99 and uses STEAM. http://www.garrysmod.com/

NationStates – From their website: “is a nation simulation game. Create a nation according to your political ideals and care for its people. Or deliberately oppress them. It’s up to you.” https://www.nationstates.net/

Kerbal Space Program – A multiplayer, build-your-own space program game. It is not cheap at $40.00. https://kerbalspaceprogram.com/en/

Family Learning UK – Lots of literacy and numeracy flash games for lower levels http://www.familylearning.org.uk/

Vocabulary Games and PowerPoints – http://reading.pppst.com/vocabulary.html

iPad Apps:

80 Days – based upon the novel of Jules Verne, this paid iPad app is better suited for Grades 4+ due to its complex language.  The game is in a ‘choose your own adventure’ style and I used it to teach geography.  See my Around The World in 80 Days project here.

Chicktionary – My higher ability students love this app–it is very fun. Similar to scrabble, students try to make as many words out of a set of jumbled letters as they can.

Prankster Planet – Based on a U.S. tv show called The New Electric Company (perfect for older students with literacy difficulties), this is a fun multiplayer literacy game.

Reading Raven – A paid app that is great for learning phonics.

Sight Words 2 – Designed for Grades 1 & 2, this app reads out common site words and the student needs to pick the right one.

Clarospeak Plus – Students speak into the iPad and this app converts it into text.  This app costs about six dollars but its features make it a worthy buy.  My students enjoy it when the app reads the words back to them.  Clarospeak Website.

Toontastic – A storytelling/animation app that every student seems to enjoy.  The app helps students structure their stories.  Animation and fun characters keep kids entertained.  http://launchpadtoys.com/

Creatorverse – by the makers of Second Life, an iPad app for creating just about anything in this “sandbox” app. http://updates.kotaku.com/post/34772192484/creatorverse-is-one-of-the-coolest-things-you-can

Dino-Store – for iPad, a simple but cute story with some interactivity http://bluemarker.com/dino-store/

Once Upon a Mutant – a free story app that reads the words out loud but no interactivity. https://itunes.apple.com/kz/app/once-upon-a-mutant/id476310445?mt=8

Framed – an interactive detective story and game with no words.  http://framed-game.com/

Grandpa in Space (part of a series) – “Not only do children get to learn facts about our solar system, but they can practice math, sorting, rhyming and more on ten different space missions.” http://www.smartappsforspecialneeds.com/2014/06/blast-off-with-grandpa-in-space-top.html

Sight Words  by Edoki Academy – a paid app with a variety of early literacy games https://www.edokiacademy.com/en/app-montessori/letters/sight-words/