#LearnLAP occurs on Mondays starting at 7pm Central Time. Guest moderators and participants discuss topics from author Paul Solarz's book Learn Like a PIRATE.
Roman from Ontario, Canada. HS Teacher/Student Success Leader/Agent of Transformation. Great to be with #LearnLAP tonight!! Ready to see @teresagross625 in action! Let's all be inspired this Monday!
A1 Break Out Boxes or rooms are amazing and fun occasions to build on collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking.They are ways that we could transfer knowledge and skills into new contexts. Having Ss create them is also fabulous! #LearnLAP
A1 I use breakout boxes as a way for students to review skills, problem solve, collaborate, and handle real world skills....to name a few. Love @breakoutEDU!! #LearnLAP
#learnlap a1 cant stand when collaboration and communication are called soft skills, think they should be the focus, so important inlife and in breakout!
Q1 we were hoping to get students a good review while challenging them to collaborate and be creative. I was excited at how much content they learned and discussed along the way. #learnlap
A1: A lot of Cause & Effect. Team work with cooperative learning. Ss must be able to trust each other and be willing to "fail" and be willing to "fail" again until #Escape#learnlap
A1 - When my kiddos complete a @breakoutEDU I want them to work together to problem solve, think creatively, and show grit/perseverance despite numerous setbacks. I want them to listen to each others' ideas & build on them. Improve leadership skills as they work. #LearnLAP
A1; let the students think critically while having fun. Allow the students to think of learning as a game by embracing a challenge. Most of all, do it for the “YES” of accomplishment. #LearnLAP
A1 the number #1 objective is to break out. I've done an Escape room and it was a blast, really tested my skill set, and it only worked when we combined our focus with each other. #LearnLAP
A1: I’ve used @breakoutEDU for teaching team building, relationship building, collaboration, and perseverance. The possibilities are endless! #LearnLAP
Create a theme with Ss (co-creation is very important) & in groups, have them create puzzles. They could be related to many topics (grammar, math, science). You simply need to buy some different kinds of locks & there you go. Fundraise by inviting parents to a night. #LearnLAP
A1: The goal of the breakout is so much more than just cracking the code - I love watching Ss go back and adjust their thinking & reasoning in order figure out what to do differently #learnlap
A2: There are times when the students are actually either teaching themselves or they are teaching others (without) even being aware...most of this happens without the teacher #learnlap
A2 Students are in control of their learning. They communicate and collaborate with their peers to try and find answers and move from goal to goal. It is all about the students and not the teacher. We do it for the kids! Learning should be fun. #LearnLAP
A2:There are so many different kinds of boxes you can do. Ones that cater to Ss interests, but also connect with lessons in your classroom. Ss are completely engaged in every moment of their learning. It’s memorable, and real! It’s all about the Ss! #LearnLAP
A2 I think because students are in control of their progress. They have to work together to find clues. They have to determine how to answer. They have to decide together when/if to use a hint. Such growth after just 1 breakout! #LearnLAP
A2 - If you've empowered your Ss to make decisions freely & have taught them how to work together successfully, just give them the directions & send them on their way! @breakoutEDU is just another task they need to complete without the teacher! (Albeit very motivating!) #LearnLAP
Create a theme with Ss (co-creation is very important) & in groups, have them create puzzles. They could be related to many topics (grammar, math, science). You simply need to buy some different kinds of locks & there you go. Fundraise by inviting parents to a night. #LearnLAP
A2- The @breakoutEDU box requires me to present the challenge and then “get out of the way.” This is a good exercise in having a student-centered learning experience. #learnlap
It could be done with a room somewhere or a series of boxes, a time competition. The winning team gets a special privilege. Or curtain off an area of your class. Ask students, be creative. Find ways to make magic. #LearnLAP
A2) As the T becomes an observer, S leaders pop up. My gamers generally take the lead. They're accustomed to trying and failing and trying again. #LearnLap
Anytime. I love making learning fun. If we can't make learning fun, then how will students want to make life fun. Let's always use happiness and kindness in all learning opportunities. #LearnLAP
A2 they have to work together to figure it out in the time limit. It is amazing how many will be in each other’s notebooks looking for information and discussing as well. #learnlap
Love it when that happens. Especially when it comes from a S the class doesn't expect. Many Ss blossom during #BreakOuts when otherwise they don't. #LearnLap
The learn–by–doing approach allows Ss to experience something w/ very little adult guidance. Instead of being told the answers they are presented w/ a problem, situation, or activity, which they must figure out for themselves. #LearnLAP
Anytime. I love making learning fun. If we can't make learning fun, then how will students want to make life fun. Let's always use happiness and kindness in all learning opportunities. #LearnLAP
But you can bet that the next time, (yes, you need to follow up with a harder challenge) those wall flowers were only getting their feet wet, once they see the process it becomes natural #LearnLAP
In reply to
@teresagross625, @MarilynEDU, @EDUcre8ive
It takes a couple of times to get the hang of it. I usually have 3 sets of each clues (3 teams). I color code them. This helps with participation. #LearnLap
Anytime. I love making learning fun. If we can't make learning fun, then how will students want to make life fun. Let's always use happiness and kindness in all learning opportunities. #LearnLAP
Those are good suggestions. #learnlap Maybe have the class set up for the next class after they break out? My Ss that practiced it had to put it back together.
A3. Creating boxes, writing puzzles, observing and analyzing students participating, running a fundraiser with it, assessing the content and relevance. Student can have any rule from start to finish. It can be redone in many contexts. #LearnLAP
A3:The clue reader, the recorder, the unlocking agent (specific to each type of lock), team captain...each role is just as important as the next! Let Ss know each member of the team is important for success in breaking out! #LearnLAP
A3 - It's pretty great watching kiddos rise to the challenge: some timidly, some boisterously. Some kids like to be methodical, some bounce from thought to thought. Some are over-confident while others doubt their ideas (we're working on this). Not exactly roles, but... #LearnLAP
A3: The two times I used Breakout (one was digital and one was not), I didn't have formal roles for students, so I look forward to reading what other say about this. #LearnLAP
A3 I love watching the quiet students take on a huge role, become more vocal, and show leadership. I have seen students take on roles like that of their Foss groups. I've seen a captain, reporter, and even a starter that gives others a chance to try their codes. #LearnLAP
That's exactly what it looks and sounds like. My more introverted learners liked hunting for clues while the more extroverted liked solving puzzles. #learnlap
A3: One of my favorite roles Ss can play in a Breakout is making their own - after experiencing a few on their own, Ss create their own clues to share what they've learned! #learnlap
I know the game last week with #XPLAP I had never played if it weren't for the poor Internet I would have been more confident - next time @Mr_JSpike I want to lead the way @mrmatera#LearnLAP
In reply to
@teresagross625, @MarilynEDU, @EDUcre8ive, @Mr_JSpike, @mrmatera
A3: always struggled with that. I either want to lead or just let someone else do it. Difficult to watch others struggle/not listen to suggestions #learnlap
A4 The different puzzles or questions can use different senses and learning styles. If you truly want to differentiate at another level, create a breakout like a "Choose your own mystery" where various possibilities exist. Then assess/discuss experience. #LearnLAP
Came down hall & noticed all this dust & gunk in floor. T was using unused lockers for a breakout. Lol. Sometimes dust bunnies give away the location. #learnlap
A4 I didn't think you could, especially if you let them define their own roles. still thinking ... gleaning from other's responses love the PLN in #LearnLAP
A4 Another differentiation tactic: Assign various limitations to each group member. Some can't talk, others cannot see, some may have hands tied. Then Ss must solve with their extra limitations. Adds depth to problem-solving/communication/creativity. #LearnLAP
A4 Have a variety of clues that are solved in different ways. Students who you want to solve specific clues can have a number or letter that matches the particular clue you want them to solve. #LearnLAP
A4 try to include a variety of things in the breakout, some more basic some more challenging. Then think about ways to hide; puzzles, memory, trivia, arranging slides, etc. #learnlap
I did that in my room! I hung up the combinations on a bulletin board and they had to figure out how to get in the lockers!!!!!! Break Out within a Break Out!!!! #learnlap
My Ss created a challenge for a class at another school with a gift inside. After they solved it, the other room sent it back with a challenge/gift of their own. Fun collaboration! #LearnLAP
A4 lance jumping in late. Love Breakouts. You can create different questions for certain students or diff breakouts for them. Ss can even make their own w content. #learnlap
I like that. Sounds like you are saying that they choose their own mystery type of situation, but it's on a differentiated level. That's what's up #learnlap
A4: Create different kinds of puzzles using a variety of materials, allowing for the idea of there being many different ways to solve a problem!#LearnLAP
A5 Our role is to help them find the tools to learn to cope and overcome. Also to help Ss know how to help others. We should not give the answers but guide them to thinking through the problems or dealing with emotions. Help them grow/learn #LearnLAP
A5 I go to Paul’s book and let them solve it. Give them the tools to solve if needed. When they figure out the disagreement, ask if you can highlight it for others. #learnlap
A5 - Remind Ss of our ways to handle conflict (Rock-Paper-Scissors, Choose Kind, Think Win-Win). Remind Ss of the goals of the activity: grit/perseverance & how you can maintain effort & concentration despite setbacks. I try to remain minimally involved unless required. #LearnLAP
A5 I first ask them if there is a group that they think might be able to help them with their frustration. Then I ask broad questions and gently try to ease them back on track. Learning how to handle frustration is necessary, so I don't try to solve for them. #LearnLAP
Mine was 2 days worth so we stopped mid-way and rebooted and reflected. They went into the 2nd half with strategies and talking through some things. #learnlap
A mix of digital and physical clues - printouts, photographs, Google Forms, online puzzle makers, videos & audio clues => all help to reach a wide array of learners!! #learnlap
A5 encourage and hint if needed. This will depend on you breakout and time constraints more than anything. Sometimes you need to give a little more to help then get somewhere to then keep going! #learnlap
A5) The debrief and reflection component is key. Each time Ss will get better. Remind Ss that sometimes learning is hard, especially when emotions are involved. #LearnLap
One of my favorite Breakouts....a Breakout Box for families on back-to-school night. Families experiencing the type of collaboration and problem solving that their Ss will be experiencing all year! #learnlap
A5- If Ss are not experiencing frustration, the “challenge” might be a little too easy. A key goal for Breakouts is for Ss to learn to work through challenging situations/moments. #learnlap
A5: If the culture of your classroom let’s Ss know that’s it’s okay to make mistakes, everyone gets frustrated, not everything comes easy, then Ss will know how to work through problem solving together, and persevere to the end! As a T, I’d encourage Ss throughout! #LearnLAP
A6 Take pictures and videos. Help celebrate success at any level. Let students pic a shining moment that they witnessed for another student. Do shout out! Create a video collage of the experience. share the learning. Every step is a success, elevate your Ss. #LearnLAP
A5: We need to be the guiding light; be the safety net- the teacher must be present and "THERE" so these moments stay to a minimal. Main thing is to control the situation, treat failure as a gift and move on #learnlap
A6 - I try to applaud the effort and skills the students are using rather than focusing too much on their accomplishment. I still congratulate them on their success but remind them of what it took for them to BE successful. #LearnLAP
@BetsyDeVosED#1in5 kids learn differently please get rid of common core because a dyslexic kid can't read math word problems but might grow up to be Einstein 😉 #learnlap
A6: We need to CELEBRATE 🎉 the successes our students make, whether big or small! It is so important! When my students make a mistake, we yell WOO-HOO and keep working! Mistakes help us learn!! #LearnLAP#KidsDeserveIt@teacher2teacher
A5: Critical to make sure the T plays a role in: setting up the activity, monitoring what is transpiring with students, processing/debriefing the activity upon completion #learnlap
Lol. I have a convoluted system for lock codes. Yes. My Ss 2 years ago loved the digital games, last year they got too frustrated. Need to do some digital this year. #LearnLap
In reply to
@drmcclard, @teresagross625, @TeacherRunner42, @BKd204Sci
One of my favorite Breakouts....a Breakout Box for families on back-to-school night. Families experiencing the type of collaboration and problem solving that their Ss will be experiencing all year! #learnlap
A6: Dipping into growth mindset here- I think it would be good for the teacher to have students reflect upon/talk about the strategies they used that helped them to be sucessful. #LearnLAP
I congratulate! We do look at our successes and how we got there. This can help groups that maybe weren't as successful as well as serve as a reflection so they truly understand where their success came from. #LearnLAP
A2 Break out boxes tend to allow students to think of it as a game that many relate to. Think of the electronic games out today. Students are always up for a challenge. #learnlap
A6 cheer with them and when they breakout take their picture and hang it up, we even made a giant photo frame that said they broke out. They were pumped #learnlap
A6: Celebrate all the successes, no matter how small! Shower each other with encouragement and affirmations! Ss need to be surrounded by positivity! We reflected and celebrated each other after we did our Breakout. I heard a lot of: “This is the best. Day. Ever!” #LearnLAP
A4 Differentiate by what your students needs. For me, I create different levels as well as challenge sub sets to meet my students needs. Color, texture, pictures, and more. #learnlap
A7 Find themes of specific times where Break Outs can help consolidate or deepen learning. Whether to revise, to master, to transfer to new contexts, find ways to make learning more authentic for kids. Share with the community for an even better experience. #LearnLAP
A5 See what students do in their groups at times of difficulty/frustration first. Then intervene if students are unable to move forward or it escalates. #learnlap
A7 the Break Out challenge is our motivation for follow up, for being on our toes to recognize the different ways they were able to figure out and problem solve and point it out, "remember how you both ..." #LearnLAP
A6 Team or individual, no celebration too small. Celebrate with students along the way. Enjoy and cultivate the AHA moments, the growth, and the strength. #learnlap
We need to collaborate with our peers! Set-up can be daunting, but if we can share the responsibility with colleagues and games can be played by multiple groups, the work is much more “doable.” #LearnLap
A7: Breakouts are a GREAT way to give students an extension or a much needed intervention. Also, it allows for the creative thoughts to flow in a different direction for a time being! #LearnLAP
A7:Use it to review reading comprehension concepts, math concepts, teaching social skills, vocabulary, character building. It would be cool to involve families, invite parents to come and try a breakout, getting a glimpse into what their child is learning! #LearnLAP
A8 Real life brings about many challenges that require complex & creative solutions. Often BreakOuts do the same. Help make learning authentic; put them in authentic leadership/learning activities to create links/skill transfers into new contexts. Think outside the box. #LearnLAP
I actually had my Ss come up with tips & strategies for the adults when we went to the break out room. Ironic they were involved, at the time I didn't know I was going to do this. #learnlap
A8 Breakouts are problems for our students to solve while we're their to facilitate and support. Why not give students as much practice before they face one on their own? #learnlap
A8: It's essentially helping the students prepare to "breakout" into the real world. it's a chance for them to experience failing, or having to re-do to become successful. #learnlap
A8: Ss are learning through experiences. When it’s real for Ss, the learning lasts a lifetime! Ss won’t forget the problem solving and teamwork skills they learned while being immersed in a breakout experience! #LearnLAP
A8 In the real world we get to work with others? what a novel idea, I can even share with other coworkers, ideas, fix things and even create! makes sense #realworld#LearnLAP
A4 Another differentiation tactic: Assign various limitations to each group member. Some can't talk, others cannot see, some may have hands tied. Then Ss must solve with their extra limitations. Adds depth to problem-solving/communication/creativity. #LearnLAP
Major appreciation goes out to @teresagross625 for moderating #LearnLAP tonight! Thank you!!!
Join us next week to talk about 21st Century Skills with @drmcclard. The 4 C's and a whole bunch more! (See image.)
For now, jump on over to #tlap for more great discussion!
Thank you for the great Break Out themed #LearnLAP chat tonight. I feel so pumped about learning and fun. @teresagross625 you did a phenomenal job!! Thank you!!! Have a great week everyone! Make sure you keep joy, kindness and love out there on a daily basis!
