#XPLAP Archive
Book study chat focusing on Explore Like a Pirate, written by Michael Matera.
Wednesday March 23, 2016
8:00 PM EDT
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Welcome to book chat Ch 8 round 1!! Please introduce yourself and share a spring break adventure you have planned or are on!
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Welcome to book chat Ch 8 round 1!! Please introduce yourself and share a spring break adventure you have planned or are on!
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Tisha Richmond, HS Culinary Arts, OR I'm with my fam in Portland touring colleges with our daughter.
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For this discussion we will use the standard Q1 A1 format. This chat will be storified at the end & posted to https://t.co/XJLKHbxaZM
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Working on my game for spring break, Gina from Cincinnati
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Me too! Can’t turn my brain off…gasification is addicting!
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Love seeing how the ideas in are taking off in classrooms!! This a great community being built to support
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Melissa from Ohio. Middle school iPad and resource room teacher. Working on gamifying my internet safety/dig cit class
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Michael Matera
6th Grade World History teacher at University School of Milwaukee
My family are going to FL this coming weekend!
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Don't have yet? We are just going chapter by chapter. Pick up a copy at Amazon and join in the fun!
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Carrie King, MS Social Studies, SB was last week a ton of home improvement projects! Learned how 2 install bamboo wood floor. Fun!!
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Jay Hentzen, MS science,
going on a vacation for spring break, but still trying to make next week!
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Good evening crew! I'm Stefanie from Peoria, IL and I teach 2nd grade. For spring break hoping to use museum and zoo passes!
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I am pumped for break just because of the ideas flying in my head for our next unit and game
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This community never ceases to amaze me! So many brilliant educators making learning come alive!
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Me Too! I am so excited to have time to work!!
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Nick Davis Science instructional Coach from Iowa, hanging with the family
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eXPlore Like a Pirate is PACKED with amazing ways to make your class more engaging! https://t.co/QyDlzr90Oh https://t.co/tb5IxVpvDz
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Don't have yet? We are just going chapter by chapter. Pick up a copy at Amazon and join in the fun!
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Great to have you all here! Q1 coming in 2 minutes!!
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Love seeing you all here on my computer just had to reboot. Sorry I didn’t welcome you.
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Suzette, MS Math, El Dorado Hills, CA
Hubby and I celebrated BIL 50th bday by watching dolphins off San Diego coast...amazing
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Congrats on the new floor… Picture?
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Keri Stoyle Aurora, OH 5th grade math teacher/learner
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Stefan, Special Education Teacher from Germany, reading "Explore Like a Pirate" right now! Amazing book
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A1: Start out small with items/badges that match theme; add as you see how Ss are responding to the game.
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Awesome to hear that has reached Germany, Stefan!! Thanks for joining the chat!
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A1: Began with just a few badges with a big payoff to get the students excited. Bring them onboard first.
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A1: I have conversations with my students. I eat lunch with them, talk before school, after school about ideas for the game.
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A1: Learned I had been dabbling in it but didn't realize it. Joined and have been slowing building more into it.
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Lunch is the best time to have conversations with the kids. I love it!
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I'm thinking of badges in terms of each of the different topics in dig cit. but I'm not sure
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... and already finished "Learn/Teach/Play Like a Pirate"
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a1) figure I'll start of just trying things out. Some will work, some wont. I figure the students will let me know which work
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Agreed… It is a great time to chat about the crazy world of the Realm of Nobles.
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This is so great! I bet the kids love it!!
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A1: I have learned the hard way that sometimes less is more. I also am learning that failures are perfect learning opportunities!
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Yes, they are great beta testers and feedback is immediate on most things. Others, times will tell.
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Always FAIL first attempt in learning https://t.co/vknrMS2hAZ
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A1: I have learned the hard way that sometimes less is more. I also am learning that failures are perfect learning opportunities!
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A1: Use badges/items to transcend the learning practice. Have discussion with Ss ahead of time to help establish. Ss "buy in"
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agreed the students provide so much insight into your game.
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A1: I think it is wide open because it is up 2 the kids to choose what items they need on the adventureDifferentiating at it's finest
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A1; I use focus groups with kids they share ideas, also G.forums with learning goals and game feedback like in the App Store
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You have to listen to them. They provide so much!
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Less is more, but sometimes that is true for the start… Once in the game more is sometimes better. Be responsive
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Adam, so glad that you are loving and joining in the fun on the chat.
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That makes me feel so much better. I feel I have so many ideas& wanted to use them all at once. Need to work on building up
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I'm very interested to implement more gamification in my classroom. But yet not sure how and where to start.
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Agreed about the responsiveness! I find myself adapting just as much as the Ss w/ each power they use.
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Sometimes it is better to have a few tricks up your sleeve and ready to go in the future.
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A2: Call them Bakery Missions in Masterchef for cul 2; Fast Forwards in Amazing Race for cul 3
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It can be overwhelming but everyone here has great ideas! you came to the right place!
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Stefan I'm in the same boat. Just so much there. https://t.co/54DcwJBp7V
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I'm very interested to implement more gamification in my classroom. But yet not sure how and where to start.
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Mary from CA. I teach HS English and I'm just ready to sleep during spring break which starts for me in less than 44 hours.
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You’ve come to the right place! It can be overwhelming; start small, focus on theme and it will start falling into place
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A2: I just created one called Johnny Cash - studying the Ring of Fire & E. Asia. Threw a side quest out that referenced his song.
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I feel that way at times too. Feel book is a VITAL resource though especially the steps and questions to consider
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A2:I a spy themed so as the level up they go up in rank-private to Sargent
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congrats on spring break… It is a well deserved rest.
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OMG, I might have to steal this for when we are talking about volcanoes!
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I have the book. I've been reading through it and jotting ideas. Then I found this book study. https://t.co/2eD3nNVdlh
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A2: Ss go on a caravan to collect goods (side quests)
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Good evening ! Glad I can make it for a bit. Haven't introduced badges in our game yet, potential next step for next year
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Tracy from Mtl jumping in late & trying to catch up!
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a2) maybe having them associated with famous physicists that had to do with the topic we are studying?
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Now this is what I am talking about when I say playful planning and game inspired course design. Well done. https://t.co/iHnvvBGrxw
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A2: I just created one called Johnny Cash - studying the Ring of Fire & E. Asia. Threw a side quest out that referenced his song.
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A1: using gamification to help build culture. Overachiever badges for students who go above&beyond, rewards for meeting class goals
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Love that we’ve got some new crew members tonight..welcome!! Q3 coming up in 2 minutes!
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A2: Life cycles is a big unit so working on badge that would cycle through & perhaps get more valuable as Ss traveled through quests
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Leaderbadge titles is use are Most Valuable Faction, Most Valuable Citizen, Wiki Master, Help the Factionless
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I like that idea for science
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A2: Mastermind/Crack the Code mathematics classroom. Leader badge titles could: Fermat, Fibonacci, Pythagorus, Descartes, etc.
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Can’t believe the awesome ideas I get from this chat
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Welcome to glad to have you here.
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a2) our school is big on boys town skills, so might have badges for showing good examples of those
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Adam, I love your idea for having the kids rate the game like the App Store!
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There are some fantastic on this chat! My head leaves here spinning w/ all the great things I walk away with.
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This is such a great idea!!
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I take notes every week so that I remember what I learn!
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I never thought of leader board names, most of the names for all my teams are nods to young adult fiction - Potter, Eragon, Blume,
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agreed… I love the community there are so many ideas, good people, and help given throughout the week. Keep it up guys!
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You could name them after famous citizens. I had one last unit named after Gandhi.
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I love that they are all named after mathematicians, what an awesome idea. That is inspiring https://t.co/7VNhxUzUM6
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A2: Mastermind/Crack the Code mathematics classroom. Leader badge titles could: Fermat, Fibonacci, Pythagorus, Descartes, etc.
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A3 Ss gain power like making laws (they can set up a govt) They keep their XP highly secret
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A2: for my hamlet game the ranks include: groundling, player, playwright, and THE BARD.
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A3: Mystery prevents Ss from calculating if it's worth it to earn badge. Keeps them on their toes.
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A3: This is a great way to keep all teams in the game and give you more control over what happens if you need to make an adjustment.
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A3: haven't use mini badges, so I'm excited to see all your examples of how this can be done
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A3: my Ss always want to know and it’s always a secret and it drives them crazy but they love it helps keep them engaged
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a3) feel like it allows me to help keep the game competitive, keep the low scores close so they still can win.
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A3: Interested in feedback on this one. Right now, its not a mystery to my kids.
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Oops, Pythagoras! https://t.co/mSTtULFUmD
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A2: Mastermind/Crack the Code mathematics classroom. Leader badge titles could: Fermat, Fibonacci, Pythagorus, Descartes, etc.
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a3) plus is science we never know if the answer is right (or worth the time) so its a good learning opp
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many Ss are already caught up in "how many more points do I need?" with grading. Want to keep it all fun
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A3: Mini badges were given out when they competed in STEM Challenges like Save the Lego Dude using different materials for parachutes
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agreed, the power of a secret can eat them alive which is fun for all in the end.
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With I am not able to keep XP a secret from Ss & w/Adventure Quest I have a link to Leaderboard
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A2: Next year's class will have own hashtag. Badges for Hashtag Civilian, Hashtag Sidekick, and Hashtag Hero for posting.
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strongly suggest that you make the game points entirely different than the grade points.
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A3: helps students focus on the learning not on the points.
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So true, 10,000 XP earns a "final eyes" for final exam so many Ss aiming & saving for opportunity
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I'm in the same boat per se! I wonder if it can be changed?
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A3: By keeping it a mystery sSs are motivated differently
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It can also be a way to bring back low disengaged students by letting them hit a jackpot now and then
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couldn't you just wait till the end of the unit to put points in?
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I definitely do. Sadly I have 7th graders in a very points-driven mindset, trying to avoid that in our game
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It has to be, my grades &points are two separate things. Grades based on standards, Pts based on effort, HW https://t.co/QCBBvoxaXN
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strongly suggest that you make the game points entirely different than the grade points.
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I can definitely see the benefit of it this way!
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This is so true! Having the ability to pull in a kid with a little surprise XP is awesome!
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I really want the kids to be motivated by badges/behaviors/skills more than the points. Don't want points to be the focus.
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In my classes I tell the Ss that the torture of teenagers is a bonus! ;)
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gamification is excellent for standards based grading too! Some things count for both grade & XP
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I have done random roll of the dice to earn XP during class time. Roll 1-4 gain 50XP but roll 5 or 6 and lose 50
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I have found it works really nicely… There are even more things you can build in items around.
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A4 Use play money in Food truck race…trying to decide between money or XP in Amazing race game I’m starting next week.
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Love this! https://t.co/uY4P9ejzWI
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I have done random roll of the dice to earn XP during class time. Roll 1-4 gain 50XP but roll 5 or 6 and lose 50
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Yes, with I am able to import grades if I want XP and grades
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A4: so not ready to add in the currency layer. Could see Ss buying extra br passes, supplies, or specific seating.
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A4: I haven't used currency yet. I need ideas on how to implement it from all of you!
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Ooo an Amazing race game?! Would love to hear more!
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A4: our currency are the items found along the Silk Road, bags of spices, glass, bronze items.
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A4: Gold Points can be traded in for food & I am interested in other currency teachers are using
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I'm starting it all slowly. I'm in beta testing right now, full roll out next school year for my 7th science
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A4: Ss cash in points from for things they want: eat snack in class, water pass, listen to iPod, etc.
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Q4: I use Gold and they can use this gold to buy items from the WOF Virtual Outlet
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a4) thinking of having items that Ss can combine to make useful items. Does that count as currency? could barter...
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A4: New item & currency idea… Steeds in my game Ss can use more powerful items as they increase their level. https://t.co/MrZuZQC8Gz
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I am ready to start charging points for pencils. Last week someone mentioned Ss pay for everything, even bathroom
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A4: In History you could use the historical currency referring the topic.
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This totally counts. Put all the parts together and you have a powerful tool… Love it!
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Ooooh tell me more about your virtual outlet! And how do you track currency?
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A4: Currency could buy hints on quests, opportunity to work with a preferred partner, buy homework pass, sit wherever you like.
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This is so great! I thought about camels in my game…
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Newbie here, teacher of 7th/8th grade history - any recs for XP to check out before creating my own -- interested and Overwhelemd
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Time needs to slow down! Can’t keep up! Q5 in 2 minutes!!
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my only hesitation is keeping track of all that...
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A4: Still formulating this - I like the idea of currency for real things in class and game things.
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What about Ss turn in GP or XP to revise work? Or should anyone be allowed to revise what they want?
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Thanks for those ideas. I see the pieces starting to come together
https://t.co/6E4r734eH8
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A4: Currency could buy hints on quests, opportunity to work with a preferred partner, buy homework pass, sit wherever you like.
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This is a great place for ideas!
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Great ideas, thanks for sharing. I might use some of these
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Nice! I have a pegasus… It adds 3 levels & you roll for 100 XP per # on die… BUT if you roll an odd # it flys away
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A4: Let your students invent and design their own and unique currency for a better identification and motivation.
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is full of ideas to get you started! Start with theme..it will start clicking into place! we’re here to support you!
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I'd stay away from that. I reward XP points for coming in to tutorials and re-testing.
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Was thinking about with the latest Survivor & their new super idol which is a combo of 2 & gives extra
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Would love to help you out on it. Your student would love this aspect of the game…
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that could work. Would love to hear more about your idea
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That’s awesome! I have the hardest time coming up with those nuances. Brilliant!
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Do items only get one use or do they last the whole game
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A5 Could award spices. Certain spice combos could give super powers. Haven't tried yet.
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I use for all my points and have separate leaderboards for side quests to stay organized
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I have a little of both in my room.
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Anytime… This is what I love to talk about. We should do a game jam sometime soon and chat about these kinds of things…
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Love this idea, how does a student earn this item?
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A5 certain combos of items found during trade will give them certain abilities. This heightens the trading a great deal
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Yes, I give GP for Ss who come after school to work on assignments. Right now allow anyone who wants to revise 2do so
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Would love that! I am always going over game mechanics in my head
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Like all items they are earned by completing a good side quest.
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Ah, yep, it is a challenge for me at this point - trying to wrap my head around it all!
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welcome to my world. Glad I am not alone in this now. community helps so very much to inspire and share.
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Stepping away for a few minutes to tuck my son into bed. Will be back in a question or two.
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Well I couldn’t think of a better crew to be with then the crew. So many good people here
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I played around with class craft, but it didn't seem to be exactly what I needed.
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a5) not sure on combos, but I want them. Maybe some sort of alloys to make weapons stronger? or something like that
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Late supper tonight due to late cable guy. Sandy, middle school ELA teacher from MN, excited to catch the tail end of
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Yes, my Adventure Quest Ss earn double XP plus additional treasure. Really helps them level up
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What grade and content do you teach?
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that is good to build in some ways to make the game a bit easier to have action.
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Never too late to join book chat! Join in on an amazing discussion!! !
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a5) or maybe an XP amplifier
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A5: I definitely haven't tried this yet. But I wonder if a certain number of XP + random badge could unlock a fun side quest.
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I would like the amplifiers be more behavior related, i.e. helping another student achieve a goal, creating a slide deck to teach.
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Some items are on sale on some items I jack up the price if there is too many of a certain item in play
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A6: Give out Michelin stars. 1 star..1 side 3x5 notes on test. 2 stars...both sides 3x5 on test. 3 stars..Mastered content..exempt!
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A6 I used tech items through history or items with enduring impact: metal weaponry for example.
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a6) alien knowledge fragments (parts of notecards they could use for the test). weapons for review games
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What platform do you all use to track/run your game?
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I'll probably use a google form, or excel spreadsheet. I think has something you could use on his website
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LOVE this system and that they can earn an exempt
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What sort of weapons. I find that my Ss would share if I gave out a question or hint
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Sorry computer needed a reboot again… Crazy stuff happening to me today with tech… I am back now!
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A6: A sieve of Erasthosanes, a magic square, a slide rule that evolves to a calculator and then to a computer. Just brainstorming!
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If they are exempt what do they do during the test?
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I'll look later when I'm on my computer. I have a massive spreadsheet set up already, but looking for ideas
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still thinking about it. maybe a spear to steal a chance to answer, maybe a sword to slice off answer choices.
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A6: I do leveled up items for purpose driven learning skills. Will help them earn more gold, level up quicker, and gain battle points
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or armor to defend against those actions as well.
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A6: Item: Tinkerer Lvl 1 Allows you to use an item twice in a day. Lvl 2: You can create an item by fusing together 2 current items.
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I did that once where any Ss w/2500 XP got an automatic A on a notebook check
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That's fun...slice off answer choices. https://t.co/EtuT5BwygG
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still thinking about it. maybe a spear to steal a chance to answer, maybe a sword to slice off answer choices.
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That's my plan, too. It's so well done & will save much time (to spend on other game elements).
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I'll have to look at that one, thanks!
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This thing has it all… I really would pick it up… Crazy powerful for you game design too.
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Love the sword idea to slice off answer choices https://t.co/ZnttXe6EZ6
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still thinking about it. maybe a spear to steal a chance to answer, maybe a sword to slice off answer choices.
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That is awesome! Way to get your thinking cap on…
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Do you recommend getting the mega pack to start, Michael?
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It is awesome, I use it as well
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free cooking day! They live this even more then exemption!
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A7: Ruler for a day can really upset situations. Those are always fun to see the students play when someone gets a little cocky.
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It is a crazy good deal so I would… If you buy that one, I will include all future additions…
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A7 Could give unlimited access to pantry or frig ingredients to add to dish or choose alternate recipe.
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well that pretty much sold it for me :) was on the fence before.
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A7: I only allow items that roll for XP to happen before class. However, if you have “Fast Mast” you can sail up & roll during class.
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I guess I should make that more public…
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I'm sold! I'll get it after the chat. Excited to spend all day tomorrow synthesizing & planning my
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A7: I'm stuck on this one. Trolling for other ideas!
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A7: On a quiz, I will tell a Ss if their answers are correct before they turn in their work
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A7: Wear a cap, wear ear buds, free time on cell phone, change a requirement on a quest
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Remember these can be game rules… For example all my items can only be used once a day. Other item could change that.
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My students would love to have "open note" tests. Or maybe "ask a friend for one hint" on a test. Yes, wear a hat!
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or maybe how many they have wrong. https://t.co/R7SJrZBRYd
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A7: On a quiz, I will tell a Ss if their answers are correct before they turn in their work
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Sorry for vanishing upset baby
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Need to head off for dinner. So many great ideas from ! Thanks !
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Where does this hour go? Pure awesomeness in this chat! Adventure Quest rules coming up soon!
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Here are the adventure quest rules! Love for you all to join in on the fun! Question coming next! https://t.co/xWMkpD2qig
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This is now on my weekly calendar and I have been bragging about how cool my Twitter chat is at work
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Glad to have you here.
is better with people like you at the helm.
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A7: my Ss would love to bend the rules by using their phones or talking to a friend during a test
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Thanks & for another awesome !! Every week I am inspired and able to add new rules into the game
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Thanks & for another awesome !! Every week I am inspired and able to add new rules into the game
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It looks like I have a ton of reading and planning to do. Thanks for the ideas. Now to get planning and reading!
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Thanks for a great conversation and wonderful ideas!
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Probably would have bought it already if I knew that, but I am also super cheap.
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Share on during week with your thoughts and ideas! Keep in Adventure Quest throughout week by checking on https://t.co/XJLKHbxaZM
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Taking next week off for Spring break! Come back April 6th for more tools and treasure from CH8
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Thanks guys again! Time sure does fly with . Enjoy Spring Break if you're on it.
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Thanks for another great night on … We will pick up the chat in April… Next week off for Spring Break
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Love all the ideas and passion in this chat! Thanks &
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Thanks for joining the adventure
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Wow! Such an awesome group! Love learning from you all! Have a fantastic week and spring break!
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I've done the reading...now to process it all and start the planning. My Ss (and yours) are in for quite an ride!
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On flight home from Grad Europe trip over March BreakI saw Burnt - was thinking of you. Maybe you could use "sabotage" 1/2
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Just want to thank all of you for joining in the chat. You inspire me to do more and more for my students
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No problem… I hope they like my drawing in them… I like the mega pack one with the sail boat. https://t.co/jYTIcYB5PG
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Thank you, thank you, thank you for giveaways for . Got the AMAZING package &there will be some very LUCKY winners!
