Engage, Empower, and Excel with Game-Based Learning from Breakout EDU
Fall is a whirlwind of preparation and excitement! It’s that time of year when students and teachers alike get the back-to-school butterflies. There’s no better feeling than meeting your new students for the first time - but the realities of starting again with establishing classroom management procedures and adjusting lesson plans can feel overwhelming. The work is worth it! A strong foundation makes all the difference for a successful year. Despite typical back-to-school stress, these first few weeks will set the tone for a dynamic and effective learning environment where students are excited to learn and feel supported doing so.
Breakout EDU offers a way to blend fun, learning, and collaboration into your daily routines from the first day of class. Our innovative game-based approach to learning captivates students and reinforces core academic concepts. Below are some ways that highlight why exploring Breakout EDU is the smart way to elevate your teaching, simplify your day-to-day instructional planning, and drive student success.
Create a positive learning environment
A positive classroom atmosphere is the cornerstone of effective teaching and learning.
An inclusive classroom culture is essential for student engagement and supports learning. It is no secret that students who feel safe, valued, and connected are more motivated to learn. When students feel safe, supported, and engaged, they thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Classrooms that prioritize quality student-centered culture are characterized by mutual respect, open communication, and a shared sense of purpose - all factors that support student agency while reducing teacher stress and burnout.
When students are empowered to contribute their ideas, take risks, and collaborate with their peers magic happens. Breakout EDU can help teachers create this kind of welcoming and supportive environment from the first day of class.
By incorporating Breakout EDU games into the beginning of the school year, teachers can create a fun and engaging environment where students can get to know each other and begin building important relationships. Our games require teamwork and communication which helps students develop critical social skills and learn the importance of collaboration. Here are some ways our collection of back-to-school games can help you start the school year off on the right foot:
Icebreakers: Alleviate first-day jitters with fun and interactive icebreaker activities. Select a fun game to introduce students to Breakout EDU and each other!
Team building: Help students learn each other’s names, work styles, and personalities through collaborative challenges. Our games can even be used to get an early understanding of what students remember from their prior years’ learning.
Establishing trust: Encouraging students to work together towards a common goal on the first day sets the expectation of productive struggle throughout the school year and builds trust.
Cultivate critical thinkers
Developing strong critical thinking skills is essential for students to succeed in an increasingly complex world. This non-negotiable 21st-century learning skill empowers students to analyze information, solve complex problems, and make informed decisions. When students develop strong critical thinking skills, they become active participants in their learning, rather than passive recipients of information. To support the development of this essential skill, teachers need to try and create opportunities for students to think deeply, question assumptions, and evaluate evidence.
Breakout EDU games are designed to challenge students to think critically and work together to solve problems creatively. By considering multiple perspectives and working towards a common goal, students develop the ability to think independently and make informed decisions. For example, the game Witty’s Word Whimsy requires students to decipher codes and helps them realize the need to break down a problem into smaller steps, identify any patterns, and test different solutions until they find the correct one.
Using Breakout EDU games throughout the year is a recipe for continuous improvement. Each game presents students with opportunities to think critically and creatively as they work through puzzles and overcome challenges. Regular use of Breakout EDU can help students develop a growth mindset, as they learn to approach challenges with resilience and a willingness to learn from their mistakes.
Ignite and sustain a passion for learning
Engaging students in the learning process is key to their academic success. Research consistently demonstrates a strong correlation between student engagement and academic achievement. Engaged students are more likely to attend class regularly, complete assignments on time, and exhibit a deeper understanding of the material. For example, a study by the Renzulli Center for Creativity, Gifted Education, and Talent Development found that engaged students tend to perform better in exams, grasp complex concepts more readily, and retain information for longer periods.
Breakout EDU's immersive and interactive format captures students' attention and piques their curiosity. Our games transform learning from a passive experience into an active adventure! The focus on problem-solving, collaboration, and discovery ignites a sense of wonder and excitement in all students. For example, games like The Ride of a Lifetime and To the Moon Katherine Johnson! are based on historical events. They bring the past to life through engaging narratives and unexpected challenges, making exploring the past more relatable for modern-day students.
The combination of storytelling, problem-solving, and collaboration creates a rich and engaging learning environment throughout the school year. This gamified approach to instruction taps into different learning styles, making content more fun and accessible to a wider range of students. Additionally, the emotional connection students form during gameplay can strengthen memory and recall, making it easier for students to retrieve information later.
Tailoring Breakout EDU to fit your classroom needs
Breakout EDU offers a variety of options to fit the unique needs of your students. Whether you teach elementary, middle, or high school, there's a Breakout EDU activity that aligns with your goals. To get the most out of Breakout EDU, here are some tips:
Choose the right activity: With options like Lock of the Day, Digital Games, Breakout+, Kit-Based Games, and the Game Design Studio, you have a range of choices. Consider your students' ages, learning styles, and the specific learning objectives for your lesson when selecting an activity.
Align with curriculum standards: Many Breakout EDU games are aligned with common standards, making them easy to integrate into existing curriculum.
Customize games to fit your needs: Don't be afraid to adapt existing games or create your own to match your specific lesson plans or student needs.
By incorporating Breakout EDU into your classroom, you're not just setting up a successful year — you're setting your students up for long-term success! Breakout EDU helps students to become confident learners, critical thinkers, and collaborative problem-solvers while easing the burden of day-to-day preparation for teachers.
We invite you to try Breakout EDU for free and discover the transformative power of game-based learning. Start your free trial today and see how Breakout EDU can elevate your classroom!