Breakout EDU Spotlight: Amy Stevens of Tri Elementary
Amy Stevens
PLTW Teacher at Tri Elementary School
What Tri Elementary says about her: ‘Mrs. Amy Stevens is a treasure for our elementary school. Carrying an infectious joy, she teaches our students about the mystery of science each day through our Project Lead the Way program.’
What is your favorite thing about Breakout EDU?
My favorite thing…It applies to ANY learner: Age, subject, creator or consumer, digital or in-person….anyone can participate while strengthening connections in their brain (growth mindset booster!)
What do your students say about Breakout EDU?
My students LOVE Breakout EDU! I truly believe because it exposes each student’s inner-champion! Just the other day, I had two students (who struggle to read) be the first in their grade to solve the clue that the rest of the grade just could not crack! These two students looked at a word in a completely different way and that was all that was needed to unlock the lock;) All of my students and teachers enjoy that it applies to reading, math, science, social studies, social emotional topics……they love that there’s a digital version and a kit version!
What SEL skills have been fostered as your students take part in Breakout EDU games?
Self regulation/awareness is a big SEL skill that I have seen be fostered and grow through each Breakout EDU challenge. Students apply strategies learned for what to do when: you don’t get your way, you feel no one is listening, the answer is wrong, the answer is right, the time is running out, taking turns, using “I statements”, empathy, I could keep going!
Can you give an example of how your students have shown grit using Breakout EDU?
During the Turkey Trot experience, there is a clue that shows a list of 5 to-do tasks. Written on that list are notes for each task. To solve the clue, you must enter numbers. My students were stumped! They tried entering the numbers 1-5, they tried entering the numbers 5-1, they tried re-ordering the tasks and reordering the numbers multiple ways…..my point is, they kept at it for SOOO long. During this time, most would click on another lock to “take a break” and solve another clue then come right back….they celebrated everyone’s strategies when someone would say “oh! Let’s try……” and then, when a child solved this lock, she followed my instructions and gave the BEST clue to help others solve it but not give away the answer! Amazing!
