Jailbreak was my first breakout on the site. I was just learning how to embed the Google Form for the lock codes into the Weebly, and I was playing around with creating bitmojis and avatars. I had already created a prison themed nonfiction text structure activity for TpT. That was the inspiration for the breakout theme. I even used aspects of that activity to incorporate into the breakout. Initially, the JailBreak was extremely tough. I had hints dropped everywhere. Students had to click throughout the site to get the hints. After testing it with my gifted 6th graders, I realized that it was just too complex to complete in a 55-minute class period. My students helped me to make the revisions to simplify it more. I added the map to show which images and keys needed to be used, and I clarified instructions to guide students through the mission. Although it still is one of the more challenging of all the breakouts, it is a great review of language arts topics. My suggestion is to use it after students have experience with the easier breakouts. My discovery of digital breakouts came during EdCampEVA in the summer of 2017. I've always loved puzzle games, and I was intrigued at how these digital adventures could engage students in problem solving and critical thinking skills while also encouraging collaboration. I got right to work exploring the BreakoutEDU site to see how these games were set up. YouTube became my best resource for videos on setting up Google Forms to create the lock boxes. I knew that I wanted to house these breakouts on one portal, and I just loved the look and ease of using Weebly; hence, EscapeEdventures.com was born.
Over the past few years, I've added themed breakouts that review units of study. My PLC members have been such a help in testing out the items, and our students have enjoyed the break from traditional instruction and review. I love when a student asks, "When will we get to do another breakout?" Their enthusiasm motivates me to revise and create breakouts that will entertain and challenge them. I decided that I wanted the site to remain a free resource for teachers looking to add some variety to their teaching. For those who may not have the time to go through each before sharing with their students, I do have the answer keys available through my Teachers Pay Teachers store. I absolutely love creating these breakouts, and I hope that you and your students enjoy them. |
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