Steps to creating a Breakout Box
What Grade Levels Can Participate in a Breakout Box? I believe that all grade levels can successfully engage in a breakout box. Activities like these will engage all grade levels, the teacher is just required to make relevant clues, and clues that the students are able to solve in order to create high levels of participation. As I have stated I believe that this activity would be successful from kindergarten to grade twelve. I believe students in high school would enjoy this activity just as adults and young adults enjoy going to breakout rooms. On the other hand, many people have asked me about implementing this in Kindergarten, which I have done, and seen great levels of success. The students were engaged and captivated by the activity as soon as the hook occurred, to multiple weeks later when they were still discussing the breakout box. Below is the lesson plan from that day, the created clues, and pictures of the construction of the lock box.
Thoughts on using a Breakout Box The breakout box is a great tool, however, I do believe if it is not thoroughly planned, researched, and created purposefully with high levels of teacher involvement, the use of this educational tool might be lost. The breakout box is made to be complex, and engage students in adventure, but the purpose should still focus on curriculum. The use of a breakout box can engage students in a variety of academic outcome, as seen in the lesson above, but it also highlights students ability to be successful socially. Students will have to be team players, working with their peers to accomplish a common goal. Furthermore, they will have to trust their peers, formulate ideas, and respect one an others ideas. To conclude I believe that using a breakout box in the classroom can spark joy in students learning, which will help them engage with the activity, and assist them in remembering the learning.
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During PSIII, we were given an opportunity to attend a Professional Development Session on outdoor education with Christina Pickles. The following blog will discuss things we learned, things we found interesting, and some of the resources that we found the most beneficial.
The PD took place in Coaldale Alberta, at a location that is currently undergoing construction of an outdoor natural playground. Phase 1 of the playground had been completed when we attended the PD so we were able to to experience the slides, logs, and greenery. The playground was also covered in about a foot of snow which added another layer of fun to the event. Why Play Outside? We began by learning about why it's important to play outside, there were four main reasons for taking your class into the great outdoors. The first was that it promotes environmental stewardship which is an important characteristic with the current environmental standing of our Earth. The next reason for exploring the outdoors, is that it builds community and students are able to develop a sense of place within their town or city. The third reason is that students activity levels are increased when they are allowed to run and explore outside. Christina said that based on the most recent study, students are not getting enough physical activity in a day. This means that we need to consider options and situations that promote movement and exercise with all students. The final reason, and the one that most teachers loved, was that being outside increases and fosters our students sense of inquiry and curiosity. There are endless opportunities for students to wonder and question the world around them. How to Play Outside? This may seem pretty obvious, but Christina introduced us to a great document from getoutsideandplay.ca that talked about some simple but crucial rules to follow when heading outside with your class or your own student. First, have something to eat before. It's going to be hard to experience all that is wonderful in the outdoors if you cant focus because you're hungry. You're also going to be using up a lot of energy when you are outside, so its important to stock up. Second, head for areas that are less manicured. The more green, the better. These areas tend to have more small parts to explore and a greater number of bugs to investigate. Don't be afraid to travel on the path less taken, you'll be really surprised by what you can discover. Lastly, get close to the ground. Modeling behavior is a great way for students to grow and learn, by getting down on your hands and knees you'll open a whole new world for both of you. The closer you are to the ground or the tree, the more likely you'll spot all of the tiny treasures that usually go unnoticed. Outdoor Zones Probably one of the most appealing things we talked about at the PD session was the four zones of outdoor play. Don't worry if your school is not at the base of a mountain with a community park beside it like those dream schools we think of working at. Even just implementing minor steps within each zone is beneficial.
David Sobel's 7 Design Principles Another key aspect of this PD session was the design principles that David Sobel described. Each of these principles can be found within the outdoor areas mentioned above at different times. As a teacher, or parent, we can use these design principles to slowdown our students as they explore the outside. Its no longer about only letting them explore the playground, but providing rich and purposeful opportunities outside.
Final Thoughts One of the most memorable things that I heard during the day was, "There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing". For myself, this made me rethink outside play at its core. So many people, parents, and teachers are so worried about the outdoors these days that students are missing out on a key learning experience. Yes, they will get messy. Yes, they may catch a cold. Yes, they may fall and scratch their knee - but think about the learning and experience that is happening. If we are able to shift thinking from being scared of the outside world, students may have the opportunity to flourish in an environment that's different from their classroom. As an educator, I think about the students who struggle in the classroom and how beneficial this type of learning could be for them. So send out an email to parents, get that second set of clothes for the rainy and muddy days, and play outside for a bit. You never know what fun, student-centered learning could come from moving your circle time out to a carpet of grass, or going on a nature walk could invite into your class. |
AuthorsMadison Dovell & Nathan Comstock ArchivesCategories |