Top 5 Benefits to Incorporating Breakout EDU in the Library

Top 5 Benefits to Incorporating Breakout EDU in the Library

I incorporated Breakout EDU into my middle school library in 2017 through an initial “Let’s give it a try” purchase of three Breakout EDU kits. Since then, we’ve expanded our collection to 15 kits and digital access because our students and teachers love it so much! If you are a media specialist interested in being on the forefront of gamified learning, use these five benefits to pitch the idea to your teachers and administration.

1.) Breakout EDU in the library leads to increased access to instructional expertise for students.

When I lead Breakout EDU activities, I partner with the classroom teacher to provide instruction and support. The classroom teacher and I familiarize ourselves with the content and set up for each activity. During gameplay, we are on hand to support students through guided hints, explanations or redirections as needed, and reflective questions. With two instructors, all students feel supported and can quickly have questions answered. Recently, I partnered with 8th-grade science to lead a Breakout on physical and chemical reactions and chemical equations. We structured the two-teacher approach by having the classroom teacher answer specific questions about the science content while I focused more on the problem-solving aspect of the game. We both used our expertise to create a successful opportunity for students.

2.) Breakout EDU can be utilized simultaneously by multiple classes due to increased instructional space.

Most libraries are the largest instructional spaces in the school. In my media center, I have two instructional spaces with tables and one instructional space with computers. Pre-COVID-19, we often had three classes in the space at one time. Breakout EDU was one of three learning stations we created for students to rotate through as they reviewed for upcoming tests. The classroom teachers led non-Breakout sessions while I facilitated Breakout groups. Because of this structure (and increased instructional support, see #1!), we were able to regroup students into three sections based on learning needs. We operated on a block schedule day, with approximately 30 minutes designated for each station. Breakout EDU games are customizable based on available time and learning needs, so the ability to tailor a game to the needs of the day was appealing to our teachers!

3.) Breakout EDU increases collaboration opportunities with ALL subject areas.

Few instructional tools boast the flexibility of curriculum that you will find with Breakout EDU. Pre-made games cover all subject areas – from music, art, and physical education to science, social studies, language arts, and math. Prior to Breakout EDU, I frequently collaborated with language arts and social studies with rare interactions with other subject areas. My reach into those other subject areas has EXPLODED because of Breakout EDU! Early in my experience, I intentionally targeted the math teams. Often it helps to have one teacher “buy-in” to the Breakout EDU experience to convince others in that curriculum group to try it. I partnered with our math coach that serves all grade levels. I set up a mini-game for her to try with the physical kit, and she was hooked! We quickly began comparing our local district’s standards with the available games on the platform to introduce them to 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade math. As my comfort level and Breakout EDU expertise increased, I began building both physical and digital games to add to what was available on the Breakout EDU platform. Creative game design is now one of my favorite parts of Breakout EDU! The math coach brings specific problems to incorporate, and I bring the problem-solving approach as I pull together puzzles, clues, and resources to move the students through the game. Collaboration with math has been one of my proudest moments with Breakout EDU…and it can be a reality for you, too!

4.) BreakoutEDU works well in the media center because of the flexible environment and resources.

When I purchased 15 BreakoutEDU kits, I had a vision for their use in the media center. While I do circulate kits throughout the school, most BreakoutEDU activities are completed IN the media center. Teachers love this for many reasons! First, students need opportunities to learn outside their classroom. Visiting the media center is an exciting change and engages student interest from the moment they enter the space. Second, the media center has multiple resources that can support breakout games. We have a computer lab, which helps when students need to access digital games or if they need to look at clues on a USB drive. With a full collection of print materials, the media center often provides ample hiding spaces and research opportunities for various topics. We’ve used dictionaries, topical books, biographies, and more to enhance activities. Lastly, the open space of the library gives students the freedom to roam the room, explore, and spread out. I love organizing the space to create the perfect setting for a breakout game.

5.) Breakout EDU increases your visibility and perceived value to the school community.

Advocacy for school libraries is so important! When I host Breakout EDU games, these activities are visible to students, admin, teachers, and parents who may drop into the library during the school day. I invite administrators to visit the library during breakout games, and they love to see how engaged the students are in the learning process as they collaborate with each other. I attend curriculum meetings and pitch game ideas to teachers based on their specific instructional needs. During one curriculum meeting, 6th grade Social Studies decided they needed a quick exit ticket activity that reinforced what was taught that day. I created six single-lock games connected to the Cold War and Space Race based on the instructional calendar. Now I have a relationship with 6th grade Social Studies, and they realize the value in the work I do. 

I hope you feel encouraged by the possibilities BreakoutEDU will bring to your library and school community! If you are a classroom teacher reading this post (welcome!), I implore you to reach out to your school librarian and share this resource and blog post with them. The media center is the instructional hub of the school; it’s the perfect location for Breakout EDU!