You may already know that Breakout EDU is perfect for engaging students through creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking in a digital world. While digital team building games are great for distance learning, the true heart of Breakout EDU is the kit-game experience. With our guidelines for playing in light of social distancing, there’s never been a better time to have it all! Breakout EDU games are team-building experiences that can be played safely in-person or collaboratively online.
WASH THOSE HANDS!
As recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, all players should wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before and after playing a Breakout EDU Kit game. If you forget to start the timer, players can hum the “Happy Breakout to You…” song from beginning to end twice!
PRINT EXTRA PAGES
Another way to ensure that players get a fun, hands-on experience while not exposing themselves to unnecessary germs is to print enough clues so that each student has her own materials to handle. Distribute a copy of one or two clues to each player as well as a copy of a lock recording sheet. With this method, players will be able to communicate details about their clues and listen to what others are sharing. You might also display one or two of the puzzles on a projected screen in the front of the room to help. Students can keep track of the combinations as they figure them out on the lock recording page.
**PRO TIP: use your printer settings to print more than one copy on each page!
If it works for your classroom, you might have students work in smaller groups, each group with a complete set of clues. With each student only handling one or two clues, group members can spread themselves out to ensure that social distance protocols are followed.
ASSIGN A “LOCKSMITH”
We recommend that only one student, or “Locksmith,” handle the locks. This allows that one student to keep a safe distance from others, and only one set of hands will touch the locks.
SANITIZE EVERYTHING
We recommend that the locks are cleaned before and after game play. Use a disinfecting wipe to gently wipe all surfaces that eager hands may have touched, including locks, boxes, the hasp, the flashlight, etc.
The game is not over once the locks are opened! Some of the best learning happens when reflecting on the game. Pose one or two reflection questions as part of a large group or small group discussion, or you might consider having students write or draw their game reflections. In addition, encourage each student to design or decorate his own “We Broke Out” sign so you can take that all important end-of-game class photo of the students holding up the signs from their desks!
If you have tips or success stories for using your Breakout EDU Kits, we’d love to hear them! Give us a shout at info@breakoutedu.com or share your pictures on Twitter or Instagram (@BreakoutEDU).