For some educators, the new school year is already underway, and for others, it’s just around the corner. We asked the Breakout EDU educator community what they do in those first few weeks to set the tone for a new year full of curiosity, collaboration, and student growth. From creative icebreakers to establishing routines, these ideas will help you spark engagement, boost student confidence, and build a strong classroom community from day one.

1. First Week = First Breakout!

Fourth Grade Teacher Christopher Knox always kicks off the school year with a Breakout EDU game. He shares, “I always try to do a Breakout EDU with my classes during the first week of school to introduce them to the type of critical thinking and collaboration we will be doing in class and to build excitement for the year ahead.”

Looking for a game to play with your class in the first few weeks of school? Check out the August Games Guide for our back-to-school game picks.

2. “Accidentally” Lock Up the Seating Chart

Trying to find your seat? Not so fast!

If you’re a student in Teacher Michael Moylan’s class, you’ll have to solve a series of puzzles first.

Using Breakout EDU Kits, he locks the class seating chart inside the large box and secures it with multiple locks. Each lock is opened by solving a different puzzle, turning the first day into a collaborative, brain-teasing adventure. Students are engaged from the moment they walk in. 

3. Start the Year with a Growth Mindset

“During the first week, I use read alouds and Breakout EDU to introduce the concept of having a growth mindset,” shares Elementary Teacher Jenna M.

Some of her favorite read alouds include Bubble Gum Brain by Julia Cook, Flight School by Lita Judge, and The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires. These books spark meaningful discussions and set the tone for the year.

Jenna’s class doesn’t just talk about growth mindset. They put it into action with Breakout EDU games! Jenna kicks things off by working as a whole class to solve the Lock of the Day, a daily critical thinking puzzle she uses as a morning warm-up all year long.

“We encourage each other to have a growth mindset through all challenges!” says Jenna.

4. “Everyone in our class is needed to be our best.”

Middle School Educator Amy Tucker uses Breakout EDU early in the year to build classroom community within her multi-age looping teams. As returning 7th and 8th graders demonstrate their leadership, new 6th graders join in, learning the value of collaboration from day one.

“I want to set the tone that we are here to work together and support one another,” says Amy. She makes a point to highlight quieter students and those who may not yet recognize their own strengths, especially those who contribute in unexpected but important ways. “I try to illuminate how everyone in our class is needed to be our best.”

5. Build Community with Lock of the Day

Fourth Grade Teacher @Venture_Fourth brings her students together every morning with the Lock of the Day puzzles. After seeing amazing growth last year in her students’ critical thinking, communication, confidence, and classroom connections, she’s excited to watch this year’s group thrive too.

She’s put together a free, no-prep lesson plan that shows exactly how she uses Lock of the Day to build community and spark collaboration right from day one. Learn more and download it here.

6. PD That Models What We Want for Our Classrooms

Breakout EDU isn’t just for students—it’s also an effective tool for staff professional development!

Maria Galanis, Innovation Curriculum Specialist, recently shared what that looks like in her district: “Loved kicking off staff professional development in my district with a digital @breakoutEDU game called “The Commute”. 🤓🔒🔓 Breakouts are such a fun way to start sessions. Clues, puzzles, teamwork, active engagement, educational, and a great way to experience what students experience when they play them in class.”

Get Started for Free

Kick off the school year with curiosity and connection! With a free 14-day trial of Breakout EDU, you’ll unlock access to all the games and activities these educators use to spark engagement and build classroom community. Sign up and start your free trial today!