How to use Breakout EDU in the elementary classroom (2024)

Breakout EDU is an innovative approach to classroom learning that has been gaining popularity in recent years. This game-based learning platform involves students working collaboratively in teams to solve a series of puzzles and challenges in order to “break out” of a locked box. Breakout EDU is an excellent tool for promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity, making it an ideal fit for elementary classrooms. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using Breakout EDU in the elementary classroom, how to set it up, integrate it into lesson plans, assess students’ learning outcomes, and provide tips for successful game facilitation. Additionally, we will examine how to choose and create Breakout EDU games and provide resources for further exploration.

Introduction to Breakout EDU

What is Breakout EDU?

Breakout EDU is an immersive learning game that involves teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. It is a physical game that takes place in the classroom and is designed to challenge students to think creatively and collaboratively to solve a series of puzzles and clues in order to unlock a box or container containing a reward or prize. Check out our Digital Breakout Challenges for Tech Class for more information about the concept of using breakouts in education.

Why Use Breakout EDU in the Elementary Classroom?

Breakout EDU is a fantastic tool for elementary classrooms as it provides many benefits to both teachers and students. It promotes active learning, collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills while also increasing motivation and engagement. Breakout EDU also allows for gamification of lessons, making it easier for students to connect with the material and retain knowledge.

Overview of Breakout EDU Components

Breakout EDU kits include a locked box, various types of locks, keys, clues, and puzzles, and a set of instructions for teachers to set up and run the game. There are also hundreds of games available on the Breakout EDU website that cover a wide range of subjects and themes, which can be easily adapted to fit the needs of any classroom.

Benefits of Breakout EDU in Elementary Education

Developing Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

Breakout EDU promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills by placing students in situations that require them to work together to solve complex puzzles and problems. By doing so, children can learn how to think outside the box, develop a questioning mindset, and come up with innovative solutions to challenges.

Promoting Collaboration and Communication

Collaboration is an essential skill for success in the modern world, and Breakout EDU helps promote this skill in elementary classrooms. It encourages students to work together and communicate effectively to solve puzzles and clues, fostering a sense of teamwork and cooperation.

Increasing Engagement and Motivation

Breakout EDU is a highly engaging and motivating tool for elementary classrooms. It provides a fun and interactive way for students to learn and retain information while also challenging them to think creatively and critically. By incorporating Breakout EDU games into lesson plans, educators can quickly capture and hold students’ attention.

Improving Classroom Management

Breakout EDU games are ideally suited to classroom management. The engaging and interactive nature of the games means that students are motivated and focused on the task at hand. They also require students to work together, which can help reduce disruptive behavior in the classroom.

Setting up Breakout EDU in the Classroom

Acquiring Breakout EDU Kits and Materials

To set up Breakout EDU in the classroom, you will need to acquire a Breakout EDU kit or the necessary materials, such as boxes, locks, and clues. Teachers can purchase these directly from the Breakout EDU website or sourced from other suppliers.

Preparing the Classroom Environment

It’s essential to prepare the classroom environment before implementing Breakout EDU. Teachers need to create a supportive and safe space to encourage participation and collaboration. They also need to ensure that the clues and puzzles are arranged correctly and that students understand the rules and procedures of the game.

Introducing Breakout EDU to Students

Before running a Breakout EDU game, it’s important to introduce it to the students. Explain the concept of the game, review the rules and procedures, and provide a demonstration of how it works. Teachers can also use this time to discuss the learning objectives and how the game will connect to the classroom curriculum.

Integrating Breakout EDU into Lesson Plans

Identifying Learning Objectives

To integrate Breakout EDU into lesson plans, educators need to identify their learning objectives for the game. This could include topics such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, communication, or any other subject-specific learning goals.

Selecting a Breakout EDU Game

Once the learning objectives have been identified, teachers can select a Breakout EDU game that aligns with their goals. The Breakout EDU website provides a library of games that cover a wide range of subjects and themes.

Modifying Existing Games for Your Classroom

Teachers can modify existing Breakout EDU games to fit their classroom’s specific needs. They can adjust the clues, puzzles, or rules to make it more accessible or challenging for their students.

Creating Your Own Breakout EDU Games

Educators can also create their own Breakout EDU games to fit their classroom’s unique learning goals. This requires more time and effort but allows teachers to tailor the game to their specific curriculum and student needs.for Further Learning and Implementation

Tips and Tricks for Successful Breakouts

Establishing Clear Expectations and Rules

Before implementing Breakout EDU in your classroom, it’s important to set clear expectations for your students. Establishing rules for group work, time management, and communication can help ensure that the experience runs smoothly. Be sure to communicate these rules and expectations to your students before beginning the breakout activity.

Encouraging Student Leadership and Responsibility

Breakout EDU provides an opportunity for students to take on leadership roles and responsibilities. Encourage your students to work collaboratively and take ownership of their learning experience. You can assign roles such as timekeeper, recorder, and leader to students to keep the group on track and ensure that everyone is actively participating.

Providing Clues and Hints Effectively

Providing clues and hints is an essential part of a successful Breakout EDU experience. However, it’s important to balance the difficulty level with the need for student engagement and success. Clues and hints should be tailored to the abilities of your students and provided in a timely manner to keep the energy and excitement high.

Debriefing and Reflecting on the Breakout Experience

After completing a Breakout EDU activity, it’s important to debrief and reflect on the experience. Encourage your students to share their thoughts on the process, ask questions, and provide feedback on what they found challenging and what they enjoyed. This reflection can help inform future Breakout EDU activities and provide valuable insight into your students’ learning styles.

Assessing Students Using Breakout EDU

Measuring Learning Outcomes and Progress

Breakout EDU can be a valuable tool for measuring student learning outcomes and progress. By designing Breakout EDU games that focus on specific learning objectives, you can assess your students’ understanding of the content and identify areas for improvement.

Evaluating Individual and Group Performance

Breakout EDU also provides an opportunity to evaluate individual and group performance. By observing your students’ communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills during the activity, you can identify areas where individual students may need additional support, as well as assess how well groups work together.

Providing Feedback and Grading Breakouts

Providing feedback and grading Breakout EDU activities can help reinforce student learning and provide motivation for continued improvement. Consider providing individual feedback to students and grading the activity based on criteria such as teamwork, communication, and overall success in completing the challenge.

Choosing and Creating Breakout EDU Games

Exploring Breakout EDU Game Library

The Breakout EDU game library provides a wealth of resources for educators looking to incorporate Breakout EDU into their classroom. With games available for elementary, middle, and high school students, there are a variety of topics and themes to choose from.

Adapting Commercial Games for Your Classroom

In addition to the game library, educators can also adapt commercial games for use in their classroom. By modifying the content and challenges to align with learning objectives, commercial games can be a fun and engaging way to teach new concepts and skills.

Using Templates and Tools for Game Creation

For educators looking to create their own Breakout EDU games, there are a variety of templates and tools available online. These resources provide step-by-step instructions for creating well-designed and engaging games that align with specific learning objectives.

Conclusion and Future Directions for Breakout EDU in Elementary Education

Reflection on the Benefits of Breakout EDU

Breakout EDU has the potential to engage and motivate students while reinforcing important skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. By creating a fun and exciting learning environment, teachers can help their students develop a love of learning that can last a lifetime.

Potential Applications in Other Subject Areas

Teachers can use Breakout EDU across a variety of subject areas, from math and science to language arts and social studies. By tailoring the content and challenges to the subject matter, educators can provide a unique and engaging experience that helps reinforce key concepts and skills.

Resources for Further Learning and Implementation

For educators interested in learning more about Breakout EDU, there are a variety of resources available online. These resources provide guidance on everything from game design and implementation to assessment and grading. With continued innovation and development in the field, Breakout EDU has the potential to transform the way educators teach and students learn in the 21st century classroom.

In conclusion, Breakout EDU is an engaging and effective approach to learning that has enormous potential for the elementary classroom. By incorporating this game-based learning platform into their teaching, educators can enhance student engagement, promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and encourage teamwork and collaboration. With the information and resources provided in this article, teachers can easily get started with Breakout EDU and begin to reap its many benefits in their classrooms.