As a district, we are working on helping students grow in their critical thinking skills and problems-solving skills. With the funding from Victoria Education Foundation, I was able to purchase four boxes for my schools. I use Breakout EDU in my counseling classroom and it has been a great opportunity for my students to learn how to work past their frustrations and use growth mindset to persevere.
Breakout EDU is a series of puzzles and clues that lead students to open a box locked with a variety of locks. I am able to create a "breakout" with the lessons that I am already teaching in the classroom including character education, career exploration, growth mindset, and emotions. Any teacher can use it in their classroom and find free "breakouts" on their website at https://platform.breakoutedu.com/
So how does Breakout EDU work in my classroom?
Students are arranged in 4 groups. Each box contains a set of "We Broke Out" signs and reflection cards. The Breakout EDU boxes are locked with various locks including a multi-directional lock, a 4 digit lock, a 4 letter lock, a 3 digit lock, and a key lock. The students are then told an engaging story about why the students have to get in the box and are given a specified time limit between 30-45 minutes. Artifacts and clues based on my counseling lessons are scattered on the table and around the room. The students use these clues to figure out the combination of each lock. Students will have to talk with their group and test out what they know. Sometimes groups will succeed in unlocking a lock and other times they will have to regroup and continue to think differently outside the box. Each group has 2 hint cards to use during their time and they are encouraged to use it wisely. When the group "breaks out" and unlocks all of the locks they will take a picture with the "We Broke Out" signs. Reflection cards are also in the box and the class can reflect on their Breakout EDU experience. Some debriefing questions include, "How did I contribute to my group?" and "How did I use someone's individual strengths?"
Not all groups will "break out" and reflection on how to think differently next time will lead to growth in the future. (They get to take a sad picture with "We
almost Broke Out" signs.)
During each Breakout EDU game, the success of "breaking out" of the box comes from collaboration and respect of each other's ideas and using the knowledge they have to solve the problems and clues around them. The timed experience creates a sense of urgency and motivates student engagement and effort for a sustained period of time. Through this innovative and engaging experience, students have a desire to succeed and accomplish their goals which is what I wish to instill in every child that comes to my classroom.
