As the ‘24-25 school year comes to an end, let’s take a beat to reflect on the year and celebrate. Teaching is undeniably challenging, and this year was no exception. But amidst the challenges, there were wins too. Strategies that clicked. Classroom breakthroughs. Students growing in ways big and small.
We asked educators from the Breakout EDU community to reflect on their proudest moments from the year. Their answers are inspiring and a true reflection of the incredible educators we get to work with.
📚 From “I Don’t Like Reading” to Bookfluencer
“One win this year was how much my students connected with poetry. From Idiom Day to engaging Breakout EDU activities, it quickly became a class favorite, and something many mentioned in their end-of-year reflections.
I had a student who started the year saying they didn’t like reading. By spring, they were recommending books to classmates. Watching that change was such a rewarding moment.
[Another] big win this year was how our class grew as a community. The simple, consistent use of team-building games made a huge difference in how students supported and encouraged one another.”
– Rachel Vanden Hull, 5th Grade Teacher
💡 Growth in Critical Thinking and Teamwork
“I added a new Early Finisher Activity this school year—Lock of the Day on the @BreakoutEDU website! These daily critical thinking puzzles are easy to fit into your busy classroom schedule.
I like having academic options for early finishers, and my students like that they’re fun. It’s a win-win! 🎉 Since adding Lock of the Day to our routine, I’ve seen real growth in their critical thinking and teamwork skills.”
🎬 Page-to-Screen Reading Motivation
“One win I experienced this year is getting my students excited about reading!
I love reading a chapter each day after lunch then comparing the book to the movie. This year I used my own money to take my class on a field trip to the movie theater to see The Wild Robot after we finished the book!
Seeing some of my students test in the 95th percentile in reading benchmarks was the cherry on top.”
– Josie McClain, 2nd Grade Teacher
🧠 Skills That Will Last a Lifetime
“As I reflect on this school year, there are countless moments that made me proud, but the biggest moments have to revolve around student thinking.
Teaching SEL is something I'm extremely passionate about. Witnessing kindness, patience, determination, and positive thinking among students is something that always touches my heart.
These are the kinds of lessons that go beyond the classroom, and I hope students will remember them for their whole lives.”
– Sophie Kiger, 3rd Grade Teacher
🎲 Student Game Design Projects = Creativity Unleashed
“My kids have been creating their book club project using @breakoutedu’s Game Design Studio. Today they got to play each other’s games and WOW I was impressed!! It was so fun to see little elements of their locks that were inspired by Breakout EDU’s Locks of the Day! 10/10 would recommend this project!!”
🌍 Teachers Are Always Learning Too
“I work in a district where most of the students speak Spanish. After 30 years of teaching, a group of students actually told me my Spanish is getting better—and that they don't chuckle anymore when I try to speak it. Big win for me!!!”
– Patricia Astarita, Media Specialist
🤝 A Teaching Tool That Truly Connected
“I went in to help a STEM teacher with Breakout EDU, and the engagement level prompted her to buy her own subscription so she wasn’t dependent on me setting things up and being there to facilitate. She is excited to see it work with her students :)”
– Suzy Lolley, Instructional Technology Coach
Explore the Possibilities with Breakout EDU this Summer
We want to send all educators a huge thank you for your passion, patience, and perseverance. Whether your school year was smooth sailing or full of curveballs, we hope you get some time this summer to rest, recharge, and savor the wins from this past year.
If you’re looking to explore new ways to engage your students next year, we invite you to check out Breakout EDU. Buy now and get the summer for free. Simply use code FREESUMMER to prorate your subscription at checkout or when requesting a quote. You’ll get $20 off your purchase—the same as receiving two months free! Offer is valid for new 12-month digital subscriptions only through July 15, 2025. No rush, no pressure, just the chance to explore our library of curriculum-aligned games at your own pace.
Here’s to a refreshing summer full of inspiration and new ideas!