Breakout EDU Spotlight: Danielle Jackson
Danielle Jackson, 7th Grade Business Technology Teacher
stafford middle school
What aspect of the Breakout EDU platform is your favorite to share with those you support?
I spent the past couple of years supporting our district as a Technology Integration Specialist. But now, I've embarked on an exciting new journey as a 7th-grade Business Technology Teacher at our middle school. This transition happened in the heart of January, and let me tell you, it feels like I've discovered the perfect puzzle piece that completes the picture of my career. The enthusiasm bubbling within me is simply electric!
Breakout EDU has played a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless and highly successful nature of this transition. It serves as our daily, ready-made bell-ringer activity, fostering engagement from the very start. Moreover, it has been instrumental in fostering a sense of community within our classroom, serving as a unifying platform. Additionally, it connects seamlessly with our classroom economy. The streaks feature, in particular, has proven to be an exceptional bonus for time factors and cash bonuses, adding further motivation and excitement to our educational journey.
What is your favorite thing about Breakout EDU?
What I find most appealing about Breakout EDU is its ability to engage and challenge every student in the classroom. It grants me the flexibility to form diverse groupings, facilitating personalized learning experiences tailored to each individual's needs right when they need it.
Additionally, Breakout EDU seamlessly integrates lessons across various subjects, making it a valuable resource for addressing not only academic but also social-emotional needs within the classroom. It creates opportunities for even the quietest students to step into the spotlight and showcase their abilities, fostering a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all. More simply, my favorite thing about Breakout EDU is the smiles! Students want to do the learning and get through the struggle. A fun way to extend learning time.
How does the Breakout EDU platform provide students with unique experiences?
As a seventh-grade middle school teacher, I'm thrilled to share my passion for using technology to infuse joy into the learning process. Breakout EDU, in particular, is my secret sauce for igniting excitement in the classroom!
What sets Breakout EDU apart is its seamless ability to offer students a personalized learning experience within a natural and authentic problem-solving environment. It's like the missing puzzle piece that allows me to tailor my teaching to each student's unique needs, all while tackling real-world challenges head-on.
But here's the magic: Breakout EDU isn't just another tool; it's a responsive partner. The platform has listened to educators' feedback and transformed itself into a teaching partner. It's all about engaging students in the content, not the technology itself. That's the kind of magic we teachers love to see!
What's more, Breakout EDU brings consistency and reliability to the classroom, saving precious teaching time that can be better spent on empowering our students. And let's not forget the treasure trove of meaningful and well-organized data it provides, allowing me to fine-tune my teaching strategies for even better outcomes. It's like having a trusty sidekick that makes the teaching journey smoother and more rewarding.
What do teachers and students love most about Breakout EDU?
Teachers and students love the simplicity, predictability, time-saving features, and joy this brings to the learning environment. I love that it is also easy to integrate my other classroom supplies even when completing a digital game. Some of the tools we have used include pencils, crayons, markers, virtual whiteboards, calculators, rulers, and blocks. Teachers and students like that the digital games are simple to use. They naturally include non-digital hands-on authentic experiences.
Picture this: I'm in the seventh-grade classroom, and there's an air of excitement as we dive into the world of Breakout EDU. Students always ask for a report on who has already "cracked the code". It's more than just a tool; it's a gateway to creating genuine bonds and fostering real-world problem-solving skills while letting more than academic rote skills shine. The whole student shines!
Do you have a favorite Breakout EDU game?
If I had to pick a favorite, I'd crown "Lock of the Day" as the reigning champion in the realm of Breakout EDU games!
What makes it so special? Well, it's like a bite-sized burst of daily excitement. The perfect length to kickstart our learning journey each day. And the best part? It's never the same old thing. Every day brings a fresh and exciting challenge, ensuring that our students embark on a new adventure every morning.
But here's where things get thrilling. We're taking things up a notch by delving into longer games and assignments, opening doors to increased challenges and opportunities. Just today, we ventured into the exhilarating world of "Market Mayhem," and oh boy, it didn't disappoint!
During this market madness, I found myself teaching addition to some students and the art of estimation to others. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Mayhem at Trixie's Toy Store! also delivered lessons in income, expenses, profit, persistence, communication, and how to gracefully respond to failure. It's like a symphony of learning, tailored to each student's unique needs, all in one engaging package.
The result? Automatic differentiation and a classroom buzzing with student-centered joy. It's moments like these that remind us why we love what we do. Breakout EDU is more than just a game; it's a doorway to a world of discovery and excitement.