Digital Breakout to Prepare for Algebra 1 Finals

The Algebra 1 team at Birdville High school came together with a vision.  They wanted to prepare their students for the upcoming final exam in a way that would not only prepare them for the test but create a memory. 

We have had the opportunity to collaborate and craft an incredible review experience for the students.  Using the tools of Google Sites, Forms, Sheets, as well as websites like Jigsaw Planet and Codemoji, the review for their test is now far beyond a packet. it is a Digital Breakout Experience.

Bringing this strategy into their classroom gives the Alg 1 teachers an opportunity with their students.  To create a memory.  Engaging more creativity into the classroom has multiple advantages where you have to harness different creative personalities in order to create an engaged, memorable, learning experience.

For example, you need to be a little bit of an entertainer, willing to take the stage,  have a little fun, crack a few jokes, and get the crowd laughing and clapping.  In addition, you need to engage in your gamer mind, thinking beyond UNO and more into the realm of Terraforming Mars, Munchkin or Ticket to Ride.  Bringing the game element into your classroom creates competition.  Competition can drive some students to be more engaged than if they were working on a packet by themselves.

Coach is the next personality to create a memorable experience in your classroom.  In the case of a BreakoutEDU, whether it is digital or physical, the coach can only give so much information before the student has to play the game.  My high school basketball coach (State Champs 2004 Colorado 3A WHOOP!) would always say "I can't play the game for you, go play!"  It's funny how teachers have sometimes abandoned the coach mentality and embraced the "know it all" mentality.  But that is for another blog post.

There are other characteristics that could be brought into the classroom, such as the class clown (similar but different from the entertainer), the talk show host (only questions), the distracted wallabies, the musician and of course the klutz.  Notice I didn't say teacher. We are living in an age of infinite education resources and entertainment.  It is rare that you get the opportunity to engage in an audience that has to come back each day.  So why not try something new, embrace your inner daredevil (now that is a fun one) and see what memories you can make with your students (and how they can succeed on that test as well!)

Curious about making memories in your classroom?  Contact your DLS!