Games and Puzzles for Interactive Learning
Incorporating games and puzzles into the elementary classroom can be a game-changer for both teachers and students. Not only do they add an element of fun to the learning process, but they also help students engage with the material in a more interactive and meaningful way. Games and puzzles, like a verb tenses game, create an environment where learning feels less like a task and more like an exciting challenge.

Connecting Through Games
My husband, Doug, and I have always loved playing games and solving puzzles together. Whether it’s a board game, card game, a jigsaw puzzle or even a PlayStation challenge, we always have a great time competing and laughing. I truly feel blessed to spend quality time with him, enjoying something we both love. It’s amazing how games, puzzles and challenges bring people together, and I try to bring that same sense of fun and connection into the classroom with students. It’s a wonderful feeling when you can combine learning with the joy of play!
Verb Tenses Game Freebie
Since I love games and puzzles so much, I try to incorporate them into resources I create for elementary classrooms as much as possible. That’s why I was excited to create my series of Crack the Code digital puzzle activities. I want to share this fun, interactive resource with you, so you and your students can have some fun playing while learning, too!
This Past, Present and Future Verb Tenses game is an engaging Crack the Code digital game. It is easy to use and NO prep… win-win! Students will answer questions and use the decoder to solve the secret message. The message will only make sense if it’s solved correctly, making this activity basically self-checking!
Students can work independently or with a partner and it’s perfect for whole class, small groups, or to use in centers. Grab your FREE copy below!

Why Games and Puzzles?
Playing games and solving puzzles in the classroom are fantastic ways to enhance learning. Not only do they make lessons more engaging, but they also help students develop critical skills in a fun and interactive way. Here’s why incorporating games and puzzles into your teaching is so beneficial:
- Boosts Problem-Solving Skills: Games and puzzles require students to think critically and develop strategies to succeed.
- Encourages Collaboration: Many games foster teamwork and communication, helping students work together to achieve a common goal.
- Enhances Retention: Repeated exposure to concepts through play helps students retain information more effectively.
- Promotes Healthy Competition: Games introduce an element of friendly competition, motivating students to stay focused and try their best.
- Improves Focus and Motivation: The fun aspect of games keeps students engaged, making it easier for them to stay on task and enjoy the learning process.
I hope you and your students enjoy the free Verb Tenses Game Crack the Code activity! You can learn more about how puzzles and games boost learning in this post. If you are interested in more Crack the Code activities, Scavenger Hunt games, or Digital Escape Room games, head over to my TPT shop.
Save it for later!
Click the image below to pin it to your favorite grammar Pinterest board and save this activity for later!

Thank you for stopping by!






21 Responses
Wow, I love your resources. Thank you so much for sharing with all of us non-techie teachers.
Thank you, Michele! I love creating and am so happy you love them. Enjoy the verb tenses resource!
Love all of your resources!!! Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome!
great resources!
I think it’s so sweet you and your husband enjoy playing games together. It’s lighthearted fun. I can’t wait to check out your Crack the Code freebie! Happy Thanksgiving, Sherri
Awww, thanks Crystal! Enjoy the Crack the Code activity!
Thank you for the freebie!
There are so many educational benefits of incorporating games and puzzles into classrooms because it makes learning so much more engaging for students and fun for teachers!
Absolutely, Nada! Games and puzzles are so fun for students and when they are having fun, they are learning so much easier!
This is such a fun way to review something that can otherwise get kind of dry.
Hi Rachael. Students love the crack the code activities. It definitely adds a fun twist!
Thank you for doing this. What a blessing!
You’re welcome, Stephanie!
My students love your code breakers activities! Thank you!
I love hearing this, Rebecca! You’re welcome!
Thank you for this opportunity!
You’re welcome, Carey!
I love your fun ideas, implementing games and puzzles instead of worksheets!
Thank you, Chelsea! Anytime we can make learning more fun, it’s a win!
Gamification has proven to be a game-changer both in terms of engagement and time management- I use it not only for presentation and consolidation but also for assessment.
Thanks for sharing this freebie!
Yes, Guillermina! Definitely a game-changer. What a great idea to use it for assessment, too!