Play-Based Learning: The Benefits of Play in the Classroom

Play-Based Learning: The Benefits of Play in the Classroom

Breakout EDU helps classrooms embrace the positive impact of play

Play is a multifaceted and essential aspect of childhood development and it contributes to a wide range of skill development. A study by Rachel Parker and Bo Stjerne Thomsen (2019) established that play “supports the development of early literacy and numeracy skills while also cultivating children’s social, emotional, physical, and creative skills.” Further, they found that incorporating play into pedagogy “creates learning experiences for children that are meaningful, actively engaging, iterative, socially interactive, and joyful.” 

At Breakout EDU we believe that education is better when all learners are engaged, working together, and using essential “soft skills” to learn with play. That’s why our games are designed to unify education and fun while also equipping students with the essential skills they need to be successful in, and out, of the classroom. 

Here are a few research-supported ways learning and play work together to amplify student success: 

Executive functions

Executive functions are crucial for cognitive control and decision-making, both of which are exercised in play-based experiences. Executive functions are correlated with improved academic performance in reading, oral language, and mathematics, particularly in the realm of working memory. Playful activities involving planning, organizing, and problem-solving contribute significantly to the development of executive functions and are essential for academic achievement. 

Breakout EDU games are built to stimulate executive functions. With every game, students are challenged to decipher clues, form a strategy, and collaboratively work towards a common goal. Lock of the Day puzzles are quick 5-10 minute games that can be used to activate and strengthen executive functions before the day’s lesson even begins! Each Breakout EDU game helps students build the critical groundwork needed for essential executive functions to help them stand strong in the face of increasingly rigorous academics and complex social situations. 

“I've had the opportunity to facilitate 100s of Breakout EDU experiences. It is so amazing to watch students transform from their first Breakout experience to becoming an experienced "Lock Star". I love watching the mindset growth that we can encourage as we help classes to Breakout - finding that sweet spot between engaged struggle and frustration meltdown.”

Cammie Kannekens, Instructional Coach

Social-emotional regulation

Play-based interactions promote emotional resilience. This allows children to navigate social scenarios, regulate their emotions, and work towards building healthy relationships. It’s never fun to lose a challenge, but educators know that failure is a learning opportunity, ultimately helping students learn that grit is an essential ingredient to success, particularly during adolescence. Equipping students with the building blocks of emotional regulation in early grades better prepares them to navigate the novel challenges of adolescence. 

Educators can provide opportunities to develop this essential skill set by providing safe, structured environments in which students experience wins, losses, and frustrations. The shared experience of Breakout EDU games necessitates teamwork, communication, and emotional regulation as students navigate the ups and downs of each game. Difficulty levels can be easily adjusted by assigning teacher-created games or challenging students to make their own games for each other to play. Teachers can even collaborate and share custom Breakout EDU games through the shared school library. The versatility of Breakout EDU makes differentiated instruction a breeze. 

“I love that it is a fun way to get my students to collaborate and think critically. Many advanced students give up quickly on tasks with which they struggle, but Breakout EDU helps build their ability to persevere. My students consistently report that Breakouts are their favorite activities of the year.”

Christopher Knox, Classroom teacher

Cognitive development

Play, especially imaginative and pretend play, stimulates cognitive development which results in activated creativity and abstract thinking. Opportunities to engage creative thinking processes support a more positive attitude towards learning that will positively impact their cognitive development as they advance along their educational journeys. 

Breakout EDU games each kick off with an intriguing story line to pull kids in. In order to solve the mystery or prompt, they need to race the clock - together - to solve all clues and breakout! Whether they are pretending to be detectives or astronauts, creative thinking will be stimulated and engagement will soar! Integrating Breakout EDU activities throughout a school year is a no-brainer for brain development! 

“The challenge is that students can't just Google the answer. There is REAL thinking, and collaboration to be successful. Grit and perseverance are tested in all situations with a high feeling of success when the box or lock is opened. I LOVE that!”

Jenny Barreau, Instructional Coach

Fine and gross motor skills

Engaging in activities requiring physical dexterity, coordination, and movement strengthens fine and gross motor skills. While this is true for all children, it is particularly important for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or other developmental impairments impacting motor skills. The more opportunities students are given to use their motor skills, the more adept they will become with them as they progress through grade levels. Ultimately leading to increased confidence, improved penmanship, and better eye-hand coordination. 

Breakout EDU Kit-based games provide an immersive, physical experience supporting the development of gross motor skills while the digital games, both traditional and our latest Breakout+ point-and-click adventures, help students hone their fine motor capabilities. All of our games can be used to reinforce or introduce key academic concepts or soft skills. From manipulating locks to clicking through clues, students use all of their muscle groups - including their brain! 

“[Breakout EDU] is both physical and digital. Mixing things up is another great way to engage learners.”

Shannon Buckle, Classroom teacher

Play-based learning

Students of all ages and stages learn to make sense of the world around them through social situations, particularly play. To navigate these complexities, they need a firm foundation in executive functions, social-emotional regulation, cognitive awareness, and physical dexterity. Breakout EDU is the fun, simple way to help students develop or strengthen these skills as they learn!

From Digital games and the Lock of the Day challenges to Breakout+ and Kit-based games, our activities range in skill level, content, and time commitment. Breakout EDU is a sure way to ensure students have the space they need throughout the school year to hone these essential development skills, together

For a free trial of Breakout EDU, click here.