Breakout EDU and Tisha Richmond, Making Learning Magical!

We are excited to announce the release of a brand new Breakout EDU game, Make Learning Magical! Just like peanut butter pairs with jelly or grilled cheese needs its tomato soup, this hybrid game is the perfect side dish to the newest Dave Burgess Publishing Company book Make Learning Magical by author Tisha Richmond. In the book, Tisha provides the recipe and describes the ingredients needed to take your passions and cook them up into magical experiences for students:

• Memorable Beginnings that build excitement and relationships 

• Authenticity and Agency that empower students

• Gamified Experiences to engage learning on a higher level

• Innovation that makes learning exciting and relevant

• Creation, Collaboration, and Curiosity to equip learners for real life

• Authentic Audiences to bring out your students' best work

• Legacy built through meaningful experiences

Tisha is just beginning her first year as a Technology Integration Specialist in Medford, Oregon. Prior to that, she whipped up her magic as a high school culinary arts teacher for 22 years. While some people may think the idea that seasoning a subject like culinary arts with technology is equivalent to sprinkling pepper on watermelon, Tisha took full advantage of the myriad opportunities that working with students in a passion subject brings. In her blog, she says, “I absolutely love what I do.  I have the opportunity each day to encourage and inspire; to help them develop skills necessary to be successful in life and a career in the culinary industry.  I am continuously looking for innovative ways to make learning come alive for my students.”

Embracing that innovator’s mindset is what led Tisha to cook up her first book, and is what prompted her to partner with Breakout EDU to cater a game to go along with it. While it is not necessary to read the book in order to play the game, we think this would be the perfect way to culminate or even kick off a book study. A great read, some tasty snacks, conversation with colleagues, topped with a dollop of Breakout EDU? It doesn’t get any better than that!

Make Learning Magical , “the #1 new release Experimental Education Methods,” is available now on Amazon, and the game is available for free at platform.breakoutedu.com.

Introducing Student Game Design on Breakout EDU

Since launching the Breakout EDU Platform in the Fall of 2017, we have been diligently working to increase classroom engagement and unlock student creativity. This past week’s release introduces some exciting new features and functionalities.

With this new version of the Platform, teachers can create classes, assign one of the 150+ pre-created digital Subject Pack games, and empower their students to design their own digital games.

Once the student has created a game and turned it in, teachers can review their work, provide feedback, and add the game to a class library for their peers to play. We see teachers using this tool to have students design games for each unit of study.

Breakout EDU game design is an effective way to allow students to work at the top of Bloom’s Taxonomy.  By creating games, students have an opportunity to construct puzzles and think critically about academic content. This is infinitely more exciting and challenging than simply memorizing facts or completing worksheets.

When designing the student section of the Breakout EDU Platform, we wanted to provide resources to help students become great game designers. The incredible Breakout EDU Games Team created a series of lessons teaching students all the elements of game design. These resources can be found in the “Student Design Course” section in the Classes section.

To access the tutorials that detail how to get started with creating classes and managing student game design, check out breakoutedu.com/tutorials.

We are excited to see what your students can create and how they can showcase their creativity through game design on the Breakout EDU Platform.

5 Ways to Use Breakout EDU Student Accounts

1. STUDENT GAME DESIGN

Photo via Twitter @csrock100

With the latest update to the Breakout EDU platform students can now design their own digital games. By having students design games aligned to specific academic topics or skills, teachers transfer the ownership of learning from teacher to student. Once the students are comfortable with the design tools it will be a great way to ease the burden of lesson planning. You will have peace of mind knowing that your students are working at the top of Bloom’s Taxonomy.

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Photo via Twitter @VanderdoelenMrs

2.  PEER GAME REVIEW

Teachers now have the option of adding student created games to a private classroom library where other students in the class can play their peer games. This is a fun way to review any academic topic before a test.

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3. CREATE AND MANAGE CLASSES

Teachers have the ability to create and manage classes. This streamlines the facilitation of Breakout EDU digital games. 

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4. ASSIGN DIGITAL GAMES TO STUDENTS

With a few clicks of the mouse teachers can now assign digital games to their classes. This makes for a perfect “do now” activity or formative assessment. Teachers can either choose pre-created games from the platform library or build their own using the digital game builder. 
 

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5. TRACK STUDENT RESULTS

Once you’ve created a class in your Breakout EDU account anytime your student completes one of the assigned digital games you will see the results. You can see how many puzzles they completed and how long it took them. You also have the ability to download the results to a spreadsheet.

The Breakout EDU Platform Just Leveled-Up

The summer of 2018 was a busy one for our team and we’re excited to share what’s new with your Breakout EDU account.

Student Game Builder  

With full platform access, teachers can now add classes and have their own students design digital Breakout EDU games. Students submit their games for approval and you can add them to a classroom library where students will be able to play their games. This is a perfect way to “level up” any classroom assignment.

Digital Subject Packs

We recently released more than 150 new digital Subject Pack games on the platform. With the class feature, teachers can quickly assign these games to your students and view their results.

New Breakout EDU Apps for Android and iOS!

Tags by Breakout EDU is a new app by allows you to quickly and easily scan custom Breakout EDU tags to play digital games right on your mobile device. In addition, there is a QR Code scanner and RFID Scanner to allow players to unlock game content.

200 NEW BREAKOUT EDU GAMES!

We’re excited to be launching 140 new Breakout EDU digital subjects pack games and 60 new physical subject pack games. All games are included with Full Access to the Breakout EDU Platform. This brings the Breakout EDU game library to more than 800 games!

Below is the complete list of the new games that we released today. All of these games can be found through the search on the Breakout EDU Platform.

DIGITAL SUBJECT PACK GAMES

• ¡MANTÉN TUS OJOS EN EL CIELO! (World Languages) - Middle Grades

• ¿DÓNDE ESTÁ MI ROPA? (World Languages) - Middle Grades

• 20/20 VISION (French) (World Languages) - Middle Grades

• 20/20 VISION (SPANISH) (World Languages) - Middle Grades

• A DAY AT THE CARNIVAL (Math) - Middle Grades

• A DAY AT THE PARK (Math) - Elementary

• A EUROPEAN VACATION (Social Studies) - Middle Grades

• A NIGHT AT THE CIVIL WAR MUSEUM (Social Studies) - Middle Grades

• A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES: WHO'S THAT QUADRILATERAL (Math) - Middle Grades

• A PIRATE'S TALE (Science) - Middle Grades

• A² + B² = ? (Math) - Middle Grades

• AGENT GRAFFER: LEGEND OF THE MISSING COMPASS ROSE (Social Studies) - Elementary

• AND THEY'RE OFF! (Math) - Elementary

• AQUARIUM CONFUSION (Science) - Elementary

• ARGUMENTATIVE AI (ELA) - High School

• ATOM BLASTER (Science) - Middle Grades

• BIGFOOT OR BIG PHONY? (Library/Media Literacy) - Middle Grades

• BIO DOOM DIGITAL (Science) - Middle Grades, High School

• BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER: IT’S A DUCK DISASTER! (ELA) - Elementary

• BREAKING DIGITAL LOVE: ROMEO AND JULIET (ELA) - High School

• BREAKOUT BUYS (Math) - Elementary

• BUILDING BLUNDER (Math) - Middle Grades

• BUTTERFLY BANDIT (Science) - Early Childhood

• CAN WASHINGTON RETIRE? (Social Studies) - Elementary

• CAN YOU SEE WHAT I HEAR? (Science) - Middle Grades

• CAPTURE THE CO (Science) - High School

• CAREER DAY (Math) - Elementary

• CARNIVAL CONUNDRUM (Math) - Elementary

• CARNIVAL GAME CRAZINESS (Math) - High School

• CDC VIRUS OUTBREAK! (Social Studies) - Middle Grades

• CITIZEN SCRAMBLE 2 (COMPANION GAME TO CITIZEN SCRAMBLE) (Social Studies) - Elementary

• COMICS CRUSADER (Library/Media Literacy) - Middle Grades

• CONTINENT CHAOS (Social Studies) - Elementary

• COOKING WITH DATA (Math) - Elementary

• COSMOLOGY CONNECTION (Science) - High School

• CRAZY GADGETS, SIMPLE MACHINES PICNIC (Science) - Elementary

• DAZED AND CONFUSED (World Languages) - Middle Grades

• DEMASIADOS DEPORTES (World Languages) - Middle Grades

• DISAPPEARING COINS (Math) - Elementary

• DON'T FALL FOR THE PHISH! (Library/Media Literacy) - Middle Grades

• EL AÑO DE MUCHAS FIESTAS. (World Languages) - Middle Grades

• EL LLANTO (World Languages) - Middle Grades

• ESCAPE THE BIG, BAD WOLF (ELA) - Early Childhood

• EXCLAMATORY EVAN STRIKES AGAIN! (ELA) - Elementary

• EXCURSION ISLAND (ELA) - Elementary

• FAIRY TALES SOCIAL NETWORK (Library/Media Literacy) - Middle Grades

• FIDO'S FRACTION FIASCO (Math) - Elementary

• FILMORE'S FRENZY (Math) - Elementary

• FUN HOUSE (Science) - Middle Grades

• GAMER'S CHOICE (Math) - Elementary

• GEOMETRY CONFUSION (Math) - Middle Grades

• GERRY THE GEOGIRAFFE (Social Studies) - Middle Grades

• GET TO THE ZOO! (Science) - Elementary

• GLORIOUS GLACIER PARK CAMP (Social Studies) - Elementary

• GRAND CANYON QUARTER CLUES (Social Studies) - Elementary

• GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS (Social Studies) - Elementary

• GROWING LIKE A WEED (Science) - Middle Grades

• GUADALUPE: A PUZZLE BEYOND EXPLANATION (World Languages) - Middle Grades

• HABITAT HANG-UP 2 (Science) - Elementary

• HAPPY TRAILS (Math) - Middle Grades

• I'M HUNGRY! (Computer Science) - Elementary

• IN LOVE WITH SHAPES (Math) - Early Childhood

• INVESTIGATIVE DETECTIVE (General) - Middle Grades

• IT'S NOT FICTION (ELA) - Elementary

• KNOWLEDGE KNIGHTS! (Library/Media Literacy) - Middle Grades

• LA CLASE - WHEN IS SUMMER BREAK? (World Languages) - Middle Grades

• LE CRI (World Languages) - Middle Grades

• LET THE GAMES BEGIN (Math) - Middle Grades

• LET'S GO CAMPING! (Math) - Elementary

• LIGHT PRE-GAME SNACK (Science) - High School

• LOCKED CABINET DIGITAL (Science) - High School

• LOST ON THE GRAMMAR TRAIL (ELA) - Middle Grades

• LYRIC LOCKDOWN (ELA) - Middle Grades

• MAKE IT COUNT (Math) - Early Childhood

• MAP MISHAP (Social Studies) - Elementary

• MAYHEM AT TRIXIE'S TOY STORE (Math) - Elementary

• MENDELIA'S MILKSHAKE (Science) - High School

• MR. BIG IDEAS: FRACTION ADDITION AND SUBTRACTION (Math) - Elementary

• NUTRITION HERO (Science) - Elementary

• OFF TO CAMP (Math) - Elementary

• OLD MCDELL HAD A FARM (Computer Science) - Elementary

• OUT OF THIS WORLD MEASUREMENTS (Math) - Elementary

• OVERLOAD DAY (Computer Science) - Elementary

• PANIC AT THE PIZZA PARLOR (Math) - Elementary

• PARTS OF SPEECH PANIC! (ELA) - Elementary

• PLANT-A-PALOOZA! (Science) - Elementary

• PLAYGROUND FUN (Math) - Early Childhood

• QUADRATIC QUANDARY (Math) - High School

• RACE CAR (Science) - Middle Grades

• RENEGADE ROOTS OF LATIN AND GREEK (ELA) - Middle Grades

• RHYME RACE 1000 (ELA) - Elementary

• ROADTRIP (Social Studies) - Middle Grades

• ROCKIN' RECESS (Math) - Elementary

• SANDY SITUATION (Science) - Middle Grades

• SAVE THE CONSTITUTION (Social Studies) - Elementary

• SAVE THE DAY (ELA) - Middle Grades

• SAVE THE DINNER PARTY (Math) - Elementary

• SAY WHAT? (ELA) - Elementary

• SECRET AGENT MISSION (General) - Middle Grades

• SECRET AGENT MISSION: FRACTIONS, DECIMALS, DECODE (Math) - Elementary

• SECRET TREASURES (Computer Science) - Elementary

• SEÑOR LORO SE VA DE VIAJE (World Languages) - Middle Grades

• SIDEWAYS STORIES OF POLYGON HIGH (Math) - Elementary

• SILLY GOOSE'S TIME ADVENTURE (Math) - Elementary

• SO MUCH TO DO... SO LITTLE TIME (World Languages) - Middle Grades

• SPACE RACE: SEARCH FOR ALIENS IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM (Science) - Elementary

• SPECIES SPY! (Library/Media Literacy) - Elementary

• STAR BRIDE: THE STORY OF FEATHER WOMAN AND MORNINGSTAR (Science) - Elementary

• STOVE HAT DOWN! (Social Studies) - Elementary

• STUDENT SLEUTH (Science) - Middle Grades

• TAKEOFF TROUBLE! (Science) - Elementary

• THE CASE OF THE MISSING BASEBALL GEAR (ELA) - Elementary

• THE CLOCKWORK CONUNDRUM (Science) - High School

• THE GEOMETRY GIANT'S JEALOUSY (Math) - Elementary

• THE IMPOSTER (Science) - Elementary

• THE LOST PAGES (ELA) - Elementary

• THE MAGICAL DICTIONARY (Library/Media Literacy) - Elementary

• THE MATTER HATTER RETURNS! (Science) - Middle Grades

• THE MYSTERY OF "LOCK-NESS" (ELA) - Elementary

• THE MYSTERY OF PATTERNS (Math) - Elementary

• THE MYSTERY OF SCARED NUMBER 6 (Math) - Early Childhood

• THE ROCK ROBBERY (Science) - Middle Grades

• THOMAS JEFFERSON LOST HIS QUILL (Social Studies) - Elementary

• TIME TRAVELER (Library/Media Literacy) - Middle Grades

• TRANSFORMATIONS: DR. EVILGON STRIKES AGAIN! (Math) - Middle Grades

• TRAVEL TRICKS (Social Studies) - Elementary

• UNLOCK THE LOST CHAMBER! (ELA) - Early Childhood

• VACATE THE CAVE! (Science) - Middle Grades

• VEXING VELOCITY (Math) - High School

• VIDEO GAME CHALLENGE (ELA) - Elementary

• WACKY WEATHER 2 (COMPANION TO WACKY WEATHER PHYSICAL GAME) (Science) - Early Childhood

• WASHINGTON DC REVISION (Social Studies) - Elementary

• WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE (Science) - Elementary

• WELCOME TO MY HOME (Science) - Middle Grades

• WHODUNNIT? THE CASE OF THE MISSING LUNCH MONEY (World Languages) - Middle Grades

• YOSEMITE BEAR WATCH (Social Studies) - Middle Grades

• ZION LUGGAGE FIASCO (Social Studies) - Elementary

 

PHYSICAL SUBJECT PACK GAMES

• APPLICATION:INCOMPLETE (General) - High School

• RAIDERS OF THE LOST LOCKER (General) - Middle Grades

• THE CASE OF THE HOMONYM HACKER (ELA) - Middle Grades

• THE FACULTY LOUNGE (Professional Development) - Adult

• A DAY OF Math?! (Math) - High School

• A NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN (ELA) - Elementary

• ALIENS EXPLAIN ALTERNATE ENERGY (Science) - Middle Grades

• ANIMAL SHELTER SHENANIGANS (Math) - Elementary

• BACK TO SCHOOL BOOGIE (General) - Elementary

• BORE TO THE CORE (Science) - High School

• BREAKING DOWN AND BUILDING UP (Science) - High School

• BREAKING LOVE: ROMEO AND  JULIET (ELA) - High School

• CARNIVAL CONFUSION (Math) - Elementary

• CHECK YOUR FACTS: ELIMINATE OPINIONS (ELA) - Middle Grades

• CONTAGION (Science) - High School

• COSMOLOGY: THE BASICS (Science) - High School

• COULOMB'S LAW: OPPOSITES ATTRACT (Science) - High School

• CRUSADING CHRISTIANS: PASSAGE OF THE POPE (Social Studies) - High School

• DIG INTO THE EARTH'S CRUST (Science) - High School

• DR. PROMETHEUS AND THE SUPERHUMAN TRANSPLANT (CHANGED FROM BODY TREK: THE ULTIMATE VOYAGE ) (Science) - High School

• EVERY INSECT HAS A JOB (Science) - Elementary

• FARMYARD MIX UP (Math) - Elementary

• FIND MY IDENTITY (Library/Media Literacy) - Elementary

• GET THE HUBBLE BACK (Science) - High School

• HABITAT HANG-UP (Science) - Elementary

• HELP HANNAH FIND HER VOICE (Social Studies) - Middle Grades

• INSECTS HAVE ESCAPED (Science) - Early Childhood

• JOURNEY THROUGH THE STARS (Science) - Middle Grades

• KEEPING UP WITH THE CONTINENTS (Science) - High School

• KELLY THE SKELLY (Science) - Elementary

• KING NIMROD'S TREASURE (Math) - High School

• LENNY'S LOOKING FOR LUNCH (Science) - Elementary

• MAGICAL MANOR (ELA) - Elementary

• MALL MADNESS (Social Studies) - Elementary

• MENDEL'S TIME CAPSULE (Science) - High School

• NAUTICAL PROM (Math) - High School

• NEW DESIGNS FOR NEW SAFETY (Science) - High School

• PREVAIL THROUGH THE OREGON TRAIL (Social Studies) - Middle Grades

• RHYME RACE 500 (ELA) - Elementary

• ROOTED IN DEMOCRACY (Social Studies) - Middle Grades

• SAVE THE BUSINESS (Social Studies) - Elementary

• SICK TO THE NTH DEGREE (Math) - High School

• SO YOU WANT TO BE AN ASTRONAUT (Science) - Middle Grades

• SOLID AS A ROCK (Science) - Middle Grades

• TAMING THE WEST (Social Studies) - High School

• THE FLOWER SHOP (Science) - High School

• THE HUNT FOR SHADY SAM (Science) - High School

• THE JEWEL HEIST (Science) - Middle Grades

• THE LOST LUNCHBOX (Math) - Elementary

• THE LOST PLOT (ELA) - High School

• THE MATTER HATTER  (Science) - Elementary

• THE NEW CHRONICLE TAKEDOWN (ELA) - High School

• THE SUPERB SCIENCE CHEF (Science) - Middle Grades

• THE WAR BETWEEN THE STATES (Social Studies) - Middle Grades

• THINK BEFORE YOU POST (Computer Science) - Middle Grades

• TRANSFORMATION PARK (Math) - High School

• TREASURE HUNT (Social Studies) - Elementary

• TRIANGLES ALONG THE NILE (Math) - Middle Grades

• VIVA LA HUELGA (Social Studies) - High School

• VOLCANO: CODE ORANGE! (Science) - High School

• WACKY WEATHER (Science) - Early Childhood

• WHETHER ITS WEATHERING OR EROSION (Science) - Middle Grades

• A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DANCE (ELA) - High School

 

 

Breakout EDU Platform Updates - January 2018

We are continuing to work hard at making the Breakout EDU Platform even better. While a lot of that work is going on “behind the screens” to increase speed, cross-browser compatibility, search functionality, etc., we wanted to share with you some exciting improvements that we released this week.

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Combination input spaces equal combination Answers

When we launched the platform we had designed the answer fields for the digital game locks to have 10 empty slots for all answers. If the answer to the puzzle was "CAT" the combination field would still have 10 possible slots for letters. After hearing from users that this was confusing we adjusted it so that the number of inputs in the answer equal to the number of inputs in the correct combination. So now, "CAT" would show 3 circles.

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Drag and Drop Locks in Creation/Editing

When you are creating a Breakout EDU Digital Game or editing a game you have already created, you can now drag and drop the order of the locks.

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Animated Gifs

We now accept Animated Gifs as an image type for Digital Game images. Like all images, the size needs to be 5MB or less.

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Coming Soon

We are working on creating a robust search tool for the entire platform as well as some new lock types. Look for lots more features from us in the near future.

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Bug Reporting / Feature Requests

We take every email to heart and every suggestion seriously. If you are having a problem on the site or have an idea that you want us to consider, please feel free to report it by filling out this form. Bug reports can be submitted at https://www.breakoutedu.com/bug - Feature suggestions can be sent to info@breakoutedu.com

Introducing the Breakout EDU Platform

We’re excited to share with you some details on the new Breakout EDU Platform.

We wanted to take a moment and explain the new Breakout EDU platform and how you can access all the great free resources available.

The new site allows teachers to have accounts rather than having to enter the generic password every time they access a game. All of the 300+ games that were previously available are now available for free on the new platform. This includes great games from the Breakout EDU Team like Time Warp, The Dot, Totally Radical 80s Time Travel Adventure, and Dr. Johnson. You can sign up for your account here. 

In each Subject Pack folder you’ll find a collection of games labeled “user generated”. That is where we’ll be housing all those games. We’ve also added the tag “free” to those games.  We will continue to add games to these collections regularly.

In addition to the hundreds of free games and resources, we’re launching two new premium elements. On the platform you will find 100+ new “Subject Packs” that contain games for specific content areas and a tool for building custom digital games.

Subject Packs

Our team is currently working hard to build games for as many subject areas and lesson topics as possible. Here’s a list of our first collections. If you don’t see the game you’re looking for, you can request new game topics.

The NEW Breakout EDU Digital

The new tool is fantastic and you’re able to design custom games and track students progress. Here is an in-depth tutorial on how to use the new digital tool.

We’ve created a few examples so you can see how much fun your students will have with the the new Breakout EDU Digital. You can play a sample Halloween game we created for elementary students here.

The Updated Kit

In additional to all the standard Breakout EDU kit items. We now include in the kit the new color, shape, and number rings for your Multilocks and the red lens viewer.

Pricing

Each Breakout EDU kit now includes 12 months of access to the platform. You’ll have the ability to renew your access for a discounted price. Additionally, users are able to purchase access separately without a kit.

You can purchase the updated Breakout EDU kit or platform access here.

Already have a kit?

If you’ve ordered a kit previously with Breakout EDU shoot us an email with your order information and we can provide you with information on how to upgrade your account

Please reach out to us at info@BreakoutEDU.com if you have any additional questions.

Community Spotlight: Jeff Hennigar

My name is Jeff Hennigar and I'm a grade 4/5 teacher in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. 

How did you first learn about Breakout EDU? 

It was about two and a half years ago and I had just discovered Twitter for personalized professional learning. I was looking for info about gamification when I saw a tweet about @breakoutEDU. I dug deeper to learn more, and that one tweet lead me down the rabbit hole.

What suggestions do you have for a teacher first getting started with Breakout EDU? 

Some students might not be engaged the first time they play. Some might even get frustrated enough with the clues or their classmates that they remove themselves. Don’t let this be a reason to not play another one, let it be the reason you do!  Allow opportunities for reflection, and try it again!

What is your favorite Breakout EDU game? Why? 

I mostly play games that I've created myself, but I loved Patti Harju “Oh the Places You'll Go.” It has a great mix of clues, hands-on elements, and puzzles with varied difficulties to meet the needs of many learners. 

Describe a favorite moment during a Breakout EDU game? 

In one of the first games I played I remember overhearing a student have an epiphany moment where the clue suddenly made sense to him and he knew exactly what to do. He looked up at me and I smiled at him from a distance (with pride in my eyes, I’m sure) and he said, “I'm right, give me the lock! He's smiling, it's got to be right!” I've worked on my poker face since then.

How has Breakout EDU helped your students learn about the the importance of grit and progressing through failure?

It sounds harsh, but I remind my students during reflection that I want them to struggle when we play. I give them chances in class to get better at reading and writing, and Breakouts are a chance to get better at persevering through challenges. Breakouts give us a chance to build a collaborative environment in the classroom and to see and understand how individual’s strengths can be utilized for the success of the team.

How do you plan on using Breakout EDU in your classroom next year?

For the second year in a row I'm going to start my first day of the year with a Breakout EDU game! I'm moving schools, so my game story is that the principals are playing a joke on me since I'm new to the school and they've locked up my lesson plan for the day! This allows me to play the first Breakout EDU game of the year with them without a timer, and I can play like it's new to me as well so I can help with locks, guide thinking, and encourage students that are taking a passive role.  

Describe a moment when things didn’t go as planned in a Breakout EDU game? How did you adapt in that situation? 

One time I was running a game at a PD session and a group of teachers was very frustrated with the 3-digit lock--their last lock on the Breakout EDU box. They had tried everything they could think of. I watched from nearby as they tried the correct combination yet again and it didn’t work. I asked to see the lock and confirmed that it wasn’t opening properly. I shouted, “you broke out!” and stopped the timer. They were annoyed at first, but we joked that this would be an opportunity to show students how teachers make mistakes too. 

How did you justify adding the Breakout EDU tool into your existing curriculum requirements? 

It would be harder to justify not using it! Breakout EDU games are one of many item in my toolkit for creating engaging and memorable experiences in my classroom. I’ve never heard a student bragging in the hall about how their class did a worksheet, but I’ve heard it many times when students talk about Breakout EDU games! 
 

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: MARGO BRIDGES

My name is Margo Bridges and I teach STEM with a focus on coding and design at Norton Middle School in Norton, Massachusetts. 

How did you first learn about Breakout EDU? 

I found Breakout EDU through social media.  The Breakout EDU community is a phenomenal resource. 

What suggestions do you have for a teacher first getting started with Breakout EDU? 

Don’t worry if students don’t break out.  It’s not about beating the game; it’s about developing teamwork and problem solving skills.  Be sure to debrief after the game.

As the world changes, how do you see tools like Breakout EDU preparing students to solve problems in the future? 

Often there is more than one way to solve a problem.  Breakout EDU allows students to figure it out for themselves and not simply follow steps provided by the teacher.  

Describe a favorite moment during a Breakout EDU game? 

Oh, there are so many!!  My favorites probably happen during the self-reflection and discussion that takes place after the Breakout EDU game.  Students recognize their successes but also talk honestly about how and why they would do things differently next time. They then ask when they can do another Breakout EDU game!

How has Breakout EDU helped your students learn about the the importance of grit and progressing through failure?

Sometimes students give up easily and ask for help as soon as they get stuck.  Breakout EDU forces them rely upon themselves and each other, not the teacher.  Their success is very empowering! 

How do you plan on using Breakout EDU in your classroom next year?

I’m hoping to have students create their own Breakout EDU games.

Describe a moment when things didn’t go as planned in a Breakout EDU game? How did you adapt in that situation? 

Watching students struggle is tough and at times it’s hard not  jump in and help!  Most of the time, they abandon unfruitful efforts and move on to a new strategy.  During one breakout, all the groups were struggling and weren’t moving on.  I finally suggested that everyone stop wandering aimlessly around the room looking for clues and focus on SOLVING the clues they already had.  It took me saying it THREE times before they took the advice.  Eventually, all groups were back on track!  

Community Spotlight: Karen Finklestein

I’m Karen Finklestein from Pembroke Pines, Florida and I teach Reading and Coding at The City of Pembroke Pines Charter Middle School. 

How did you first learn about Breakout EDU? 

At FETC 2016 from Adam Bellow. He had a kit to give away and after he explained about Breakout I wanted that kit! 

How has Breakout EDU impacted your classroom? 

It puts everyone on an even playing field. I have seen some of my lower performing students shine as leaders during Breakouts because it’s a different way of showing what they can do. 

What suggestions do you have for a teacher first getting started with Breakout EDU? 

Just do it! Whether it works well or not it will be a great learning experience for you and your students. Actually running a game gives you a great feeling for how the games work and then you can adjust your strategies after that. 

As the world changes, how do you see tools like Breakout EDU preparing students to solve problems in the future? 

Life involves teamwork and so does Breakout, so it prepares students for working in a group and communicating well with others. 

How has Breakout EDU helped your students learn about the the importance of grit and progressing through failure?

They really want to open those locks and  even though they are frustrated when they do not have the right combination, they go back and work on it more - that doesn't happen with a worksheet!

How do you plan on using Breakout EDU in your classroom next year?

I am going to be sharing Breakout with our faculty this year so hopefully more students will get the opportunity to experience Breakout
 

COMMUNITY TIPS: FACILITATING YOUR FIRST GAME

Diving into your first Breakout EDU game can seem like a daunting task. However, once you get started, you realize how powerful Breakout EDU can be in your classroom. To help you get started we've gathered tips from fellow Breakout EDU community members of facilitaing your first game.  

• Jo-Ann Blinkey Fox: I always explain that a successful game relies on good communication. And good communication requires two things: 1. The ability to share your idea clearly and (the MOST important component) 2. The ability to listen to other's ideas.And afterwards I tell them we will reflect about their communication skills. Gives them something to think about
• Rachel Livesey: I generally introduce the game to them prior to presenting them with a game. Depending on the group, we may complete a puzzle as a task… You can present students with 1-2 puzzles prior to setting them off into a group breakout. I think the key is getting them comfortable with inquiring and collaborating while building their own self efficacy.
• Rita Hennessey: I emphasize the collaboration and communication aspects, and that respectful teamwork is more important than being the first to finish.
• Sandi Berg: Don't include prizes in the box. Prizes end up being the end goal instead of group success.
• Leah Herold: For our elementary kids we introduced by telling them they would be doing a game of problem solving. The 3 big concepts we were going to practice were teamwork, perseverance and problem solving. We also reminded them that they weren't competing against the other groups, but that they are competing against the clock…. 
• Danielle Conlen Sabato: Set off limits areas. My high school kids got into EVERYTHING the first time because they thought it all was a clue.
• Mattie Olsen: I teach 10th and 12th grade boys. I don't tell them much at all. I like to see them try to struggle through it and figure it out on their own. The very first time, I showed them this video I made and answered any general questions. I told them off limits areas or concepts (like don't disassemble a desk) and allowed them to ask general questions, but I refused to answer many of them saying, "you'll discover that." I showed them the locks…. 
• Rebecca Root: For elementary, introduce all the locks and give them a chance to try them - reduces stress and accidental resets.
• Dana Stenzel:  Teach them how to properly use locks before they get started. Let them each try to open them all knowing the combination.
• Becky Brennecke Muller: For K-1, beginning with a guided Breakout EDU game with individual and group clues were successful as we introduced/reinforced concepts of cooperation and inquiry.
• Lisa Suhr:  Plan for documenting your experience with photos and/or video. It is easy for the teacher/facilitator to get wrapped up in the enthusiasm and management and miss some great things to share later. If you have an extra adult, maybe make it their "job." Also: resist the urge to help too much! And one final one: I put the combinations, codes, etc on a small note paper and stick in my pocket so I can quickly check…. 
• Dianna Ross Chamberlain:  Collect the locks as soon as they are opened! Students are fascinated by the locks and could unknowingly reset the combination…. One of the hardest parts for the facilitator is to keep your mouth shut during the game. It is important to let the struggle happen. Students aren't always used to struggling as much as they will during a BreakoutEDU game, but the pride they will feel when they succeed is a great payoff. Have a camera ready to capture their faces when they realize they have figured it out...without your help! Those moments are priceless.
• Jessica Marie: I start with puzzles as warm ups for a few days and the first Breakout EDU game  we do isn't content related but more a breakout to help them experience what a breakout is and can be. Then as the year progresses we do content Breakout EDU games. 
• Shai McGowan: I don't tell my 7-11th graders much at all. I read the story line, and tell them they have to figure out the clues. I do say that the clues can be high, low, this area, that area, etc, but don't tell them what the clues are.
• Jason Jacobs: Build it up, don't do it the first day. Talk about hollow victories and taking pride into solving each Clue. No guessing-  it takes away from the fun. Stay positive and embrace the chaos. Don't give up. If you get stuck, move on and go back to it. Have fun! 
• Jana Rogers: Smaller groups work better. Have teams divided by color.
• Jennifer Zimny: Tell students they WILL get frustrated at points but not to give up. That way the expectation is set for them that this won't be easy all the way through and they are going to have to think!
• Lisa Browne Joiner: I wrote on the board "Breakout in 30 days," and counted down. They had no idea what it was, but it built excitement. They did nothing to practice//prepare...just came in and there it was. It was brand new to both them and me. Somehow, we all survived...and did at least one breakout a month the rest of the year.
• Dana Sides Pressnell: Demonstrate how to open the different locks - where to line up the numbers etc. 
• Donna Wells: For elementary kiddos... smaller groups work much better. Also found it helpful to work through one puzzle "together" in steps so every group opened a lock. Then started the timer.
• Chuck N Lisa Creamer: Reflection is key!
• Ronda Gamble: Set boundaries for the kids. That will save them time and you from them getting into things that they don't need to get into. Explain how each of the locks work. Explain the importance of working together and dividing up the tasks…. Have a lock parking lot and explain to the students to leave the locks unlocked and placed immediately on the parking lot....
• Alissa Schoblaski Johnson: Most of my students (high school) have never done an escape room before so it wasn't helpful to say, "it's an escape room for the classroom." It helped my students understand the end goal better to explain the general concept and show them a video of an escape room before I explained the rules of the Breakout EDU game. 
• Jodi Miller Foreman: For my 1st and 2nd graders, I put out the locks with a simple code and told them it was "improving fine motor skills practice." They learned how the locks worked. Then one day, all the locks were in a box... they could focus on the puzzles and not the locks.

New to Breakout EDU? Get started here. 

Five tips for facilitating your first game

1. Set the tone for the game: How you introduce the game to your players is important. Make sure the players know that the objective the game is to solve the puzzles in order to open the box. Point out that the objective is NOT to get into the box by any means necessary--this will cut down on players looking for shortcuts.  

2. Use a lock parking lot: A lock parking lot is a spot in the room where players place the locks once they solve that puzzle. This will eliminate accidental resetting of the locks.

3. Keep a poker face: Players will look to the facilitator for free hints and suggestions. When the players need your help they can use one of their two hint cards.

4. Leave time for a debrief: The debrief activities are sometimes even more valuable the the game itself. One option is to use the Breakout EDU Reflection Cards to facilitate the discussion.

5. Avoid prizes: The best games have a story that leaves the players satisfied by playing. Relying on physical prizes in the box can reduce engagement in future games.

5 Tips for Designing Your First Game

1. Story! Story! Story! All great Breakout EDU games have a narrative. Why is there a locked box? Why do they need to open it?

2. Avoid depending on prizes. All games should end with the conclusion of the story. It’s a slippery slope with prizes

3. Puzzles that require critical thinking. As much as possible, avoid puzzles where the solution is a simple date or number hidden with text make your players think critically and require making connections between clues and puzzles.

4. Variety of puzzle types: Great games feature a variety of puzzle types. Some may require translation or making connections prior learning, while others might require careful reading.

5. Meaningful Reflection Activities. Breakout EDU games allow you to see your learners through a different lens. Have your players reflect on their experience, making observations on their teamwork and problem solving strategies. How would they attack the problem different in the future.

You can get started at BreakoutEDU.com/create

Game Creator Bill of Rights

Game Creator “Bill of Rights”

Adopted: August 15, 2016

It is exciting to see so many educators creating and sharing their games on the Breakout EDU platform. The games have brought countless hours of immersive learning experiences to children and educators around the world. We wanted to share this Breakout EDU Game Creator “Bill of Rights”. We value what you have created and wanted to share how we will help protect your work.

YOUR WORK IS YOURS

1. If you choose to create and share on the Breakout EDU platform, you retain the rights to the content and control over the work.

2. You can remove the game from the platform should you want it to no longer remain public.

OTHERS PROFITING FROM YOUR WORK

1. Games are not allowed to be played during paid events without consent of the game maker and Breakout, Inc.

2. Accessing another's Breakout EDU game and posting the contents of it on other platforms is not allowed.

3. Posting Breakout EDU content (games, presentations, etc.) that was not directly created by you on another site for sale is prohibited.

CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE

1. If you remix another member’s game, feel free to submit the altered version to the Breakout EDU game library. Be sure to include the fact that this game is an adaptation. Be sure to cite the original game title and its creator.

If you discover any example where your, or another user’s, rights have been violated. Please contact info@BreakoutEDU and we will work to resolve the matter.

We look forward to seeing more games that you create and continuing to supporting classrooms that believe it is time for something different.

- Team Breakout EDU