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Hidden Brain - Shankar Vedantam
Grades
9 to 12
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Hidden Brain is a popular science and storytelling website and podcast hosted by journalist Shankar Vedantam that explores the unconscious patterns and psychological forces shaping...more
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Hidden Brain is a popular science and storytelling website and podcast hosted by journalist Shankar Vedantam that explores the unconscious patterns and psychological forces shaping human behavior, decision-making, and relationships. The site (and related podcast) blends research with real-world stories to help listeners better understand why people think and act as they do, covering topics ranging from social dynamics and identity to motivation, learning, and emotion. Educators may find episodes useful as discussion starters or extensions for classes in psychology, social studies, or literature, and Hidden Brain has previously offered study guides to support classroom use of selected episodes.
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tag(s): behavior (49), emotions (71), identity (39), podcasts (161), social and emotional learning (196)
In the Classroom
Play a short clip and pause at key moments. Have students jot down what surprised them, then discuss how the idea connects to their own experiences or a current class text or topic. Have students pull one strong quote or idea from the episode and write a paragraph explaining how it supports the main message, practicing evidence-based reasoning. Before listening, share the episode's guiding question (for example, about bias or motivation). Students can predict the outcome or conclusion and then compare their thinking with the research presented.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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We Are America - We Are America Project
Grades
4 to 12
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The We Are America Project is a student-centered national initiative that partners with teachers and young people to explore and define what it means to be American through personal...more
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The We Are America Project is a student-centered national initiative that partners with teachers and young people to explore and define what it means to be American through personal storytelling and reflection. The website features a growing library of student-authored stories that highlight diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, making it a rich resource for discussions about identity, immigration, community, and belonging. Educator resources include conversation guides and supports for using these stories as classroom texts, helping students connect personal narratives to broader themes in history and social studies. This project encourages meaningful dialogue and critical thinking, giving students a voice in shaping a national conversation about American identity.
tag(s): communities (40), critical thinking (179), diversity (55), identity (39), immigration (83), narrative (16), perspective (30), stories and storytelling (75)
In the Classroom
Have students read a few student stories from the site and then participate in small-group discussions about shared experiences, differences, and what makes people feel included in a community. Students can write their own "We Are America"-style stories about their backgrounds, family traditions, or meaningful life experiences, connecting personal identity to broader social themes. Create a bulletin board or digital display using Padlet, reviewed here where students post quotes, drawings, or summaries that represent what "We Are America" means to them.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Teen Fact-Checking Network - Poynter
Grades
6 to 12
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The Teen Fact-Checking Network (TFCN) from Poynter's MediaWise initiative is a virtual newsroom where middle and high school students learn real-world media literacy skills by...more
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The Teen Fact-Checking Network (TFCN) from Poynter's MediaWise initiative is a virtual newsroom where middle and high school students learn real-world media literacy skills by researching and debunking viral misinformation online. Teens work together to investigate questionable claims they find on social platforms, create fact-checks tailored for a young audience, and share their findings through digital storytelling. By using professional fact-checking strategies (such as source evaluation, reverse searches, and lateral reading), the TFCN helps students to think critically about digital information and to become responsible media consumers and creators.
tag(s): critical thinking (179), digital storytelling (166), evaluating sources (45), media literacy (122)
In the Classroom
Have students bring in a trending social media post, headline, or video. Using TFCN fact-checks as models, students can analyze the claim, identify the source, and determine whether the information is reliable. Teach students the basic steps of professional fact-checking (lateral reading, source verification, reverse image search). Use TFCN examples to show how teens verify information, then let students practice with guided support. In small groups, students investigate a questionable claim and create their own short fact-check using slides or a video using a digital tool such as Adobe Express for Education, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Media Literacy and Production Resources - Youth Media Challenge
Grades
4 to 12
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The Youth Media Resources page provides cross-project support and inspiration for educators teaching media literacy and student media production. It includes implementation guides,...more
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The Youth Media Resources page provides cross-project support and inspiration for educators teaching media literacy and student media production. It includes implementation guides, teacher-created resources, ideas for sharing student work beyond the Youth Media Challenge showcase, and links to professional development opportunities to help teachers build confidence with media-making and critical analysis skills. These resources complement the standards-aligned Youth Media Challenge projects and support students in creating meaningful audio, video, and visual media while strengthening their voice and storytelling abilities.
tag(s): media literacy (122), professional development (318), stories and storytelling (75)
In the Classroom
Show examples of student-created media from KQED projects to spark interest and discuss what makes a story powerful. Teach mini-lessons on video, audio, or visual storytelling using KQED's how-to resources. Have students create and submit their own media stories or share them with a wider school or community audience.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Tab Time - Tabitha Brown
Grades
K to 1
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Tab Time is a playful, kid-friendly website connected to the Tab Time series, an Emmy-nominated and NAACP Image Awards-winning educational show. The site offers video content...more
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Tab Time is a playful, kid-friendly website connected to the Tab Time series, an Emmy-nominated and NAACP Image Awards-winning educational show. The site offers video content from episodes that explore social-emotional learning, science, creativity, and everyday questions, along with extension activities such as snacks, crafts, play ideas, and reading experiences featuring the show's characters. Interactive elements and story-based content support early learning through imagination, music, and storytelling, making Tab Time a useful resource for classroom enrichment and home connections. If your district blocks YouTube, then the videos may not be viewable.
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tag(s): crafts (111), emotions (71), preK (322), social and emotional learning (196)
In the Classroom
Play a short Tab Time video, then pause to ask students what they notice, what surprised them, or the question the characters are exploring. After viewing a clip focused on feelings, call out an emotion shown in the episode. Have students freeze and make a face or body pose that matches that feeling, building emotional awareness and self-expression. Play a Tab Time song and have students create movements that match the rhythm, mood, or message of the music. Discuss how music can make us feel happy, calm, excited, or focused.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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InsideU - Renee Crown Wellness Institute
Grades
2 to 6
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InsideU is an award-winning social and emotional learning (SEL) web experience developed by the Renee Crown Wellness Institute at the University of Colorado Boulder. It uses themes,...more
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InsideU is an award-winning social and emotional learning (SEL) web experience developed by the Renee Crown Wellness Institute at the University of Colorado Boulder. It uses themes, characters, and interactive storytelling inspired by Pixar's Inside Out to help children (especially elementary-aged students) explore their emotions, build emotional awareness, and practice healthy decision-making. The platform blends engaging multimedia with evidence-based SEL tools, making it both fun and educational for use in classrooms, after-school programs, or at home. InsideU has been recognized for excellence in design and academic impact, earning honors such as a Webby Award and a Good Design Award.
tag(s): emotions (71), social and emotional learning (196)
In the Classroom
Set up stations featuring different InsideU characters or emotional scenarios. Have students rotate through stations, identify the emotions the scenarios represent, and discuss what triggers those feelings and how the characters respond. Begin the day with a short InsideU clip or image. Students can write or draw how they are feeling and connect their emotions to the characters, helping normalize emotional awareness and build classroom community. Have students design their own "inside world" by inventing emotion characters, describing their roles, and explaining how they help the student make choices. Create class digital slideshows using Google Slides reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Hello Nabu - HelloNabu
Grades
1 to 12
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Hello Nabu is a foreign language learning platform that blends AI technology with proven educational methods. Language learning in Hello Nabu uses storytelling to keep users engaged...more
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Hello Nabu is a foreign language learning platform that blends AI technology with proven educational methods. Language learning in Hello Nabu uses storytelling to keep users engaged while improving retention and recall. When you sign up, indicate your learning objectives to build a personalized curriculum. The platform adjusts to your progress as you complete each step of the program. At the time of this review, Hello Nabu provides instruction in English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German, with Portuguese coming soon. Free plans include access to all features, progress tracking, AI tutor support, and more. All content in Hello Nabu aligns with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Lessons are labeled from A1 (beginner) to C1 (advanced).
tag(s): artificial intelligence (299), french (72), german (49), italian (32), multilingual (82), spanish (112)
In the Classroom
Use Hello Nabu in your world language classes as another form of practice and enrichment, or offer this site as a supplement when you study cultures from around the world. Gifted students are sure to enjoy the challenge of learning a few phrases in a language. Extend learning by asking students to create a project (poster, video, or presentation) that builds on a story or scenario provided in Hello Nabu. Ask students to use Google Docs to create a weekly journal that shares their progress and documents goals for the upcoming week.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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SceneCraft - EngageAI
Grades
6 to 8
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SceneCraft is an AI-powered interactive storytelling tool created by EngageAI Institute to help teachers build branching narrative lessons that align with classroom content. It lets...more
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SceneCraft is an AI-powered interactive storytelling tool created by EngageAI Institute to help teachers build branching narrative lessons that align with classroom content. It lets educators design custom story scenes, characters, and decision points so students can actively explore subject matter through choice-driven storytelling rather than passive reading or typical worksheets. Teachers can apply for early access and, once approved, use the platform to craft stories that engage learners in subjects such as ELA, history, or science with AI support, while retaining complete control over the content. The resource is currently offered free of charge only to educators in the United States.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (299), digital storytelling (166), interactive stories (22), stories and storytelling (75), Teacher Utilities (214)
In the Classroom
Project a SceneCraft story and pause at key decision points. Have students vote on choices, justify their reasoning, and predict how the decision might affect the story or outcome. Assign small groups different roles or perspectives within the same story. Have each group follow a different branch and later compare how choices influenced events, motivations, or consequences. Ask students to plan or write an additional scene or alternate ending that could fit into the existing story, using evidence from the text or topic to support their choices.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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3 Ways to Promote Empathy in the Classroom - Edutopia
Grades
K to 6
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The Edutopia article "3 Ways to Promote Empathy in the Classroom" highlights practical strategies for helping elementary students build empathy through meaningful experiences rather...more
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The Edutopia article "3 Ways to Promote Empathy in the Classroom" highlights practical strategies for helping elementary students build empathy through meaningful experiences rather than passive lessons. It emphasizes the importance of storytelling, where students share and listen to personal narratives to deepen understanding and connection; empathy-driven problem-solving, which engages students in collaborative challenges that foster cooperation and inclusive thinking; and project-based learning, which encourages students to explore real-world issues and develop compassion through action. The article frames empathy as an active, ongoing practice that strengthens relationships and nurtures compassionate, thoughtful learners.
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tag(s): empathy (66), listening (117), problem solving (273), social and emotional learning (196)
In the Classroom
Students can create a podcast sharing stories about themselves using Adobe Podcast, reviewed here. Students can brainstorm problems in their classroom, school, and community and figure out how they can help solve them. Students can share ways to showcase empathy using Stickies.io, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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8 Listening Activities to Get Students Attentive & Ready to Learn - Proud to be Primary
Grades
K to 2
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Proud to be Primary's 8 Listening Activities to Get Students Attentive & Ready to Learn offers engaging, developmentally appropriate strategies for Pre-K through Grade 2. The article...more
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Proud to be Primary's 8 Listening Activities to Get Students Attentive & Ready to Learn offers engaging, developmentally appropriate strategies for Pre-K through Grade 2. The article explains why listening activities matter in the classroom and provides a variety of teacher-friendly tools, including a free listening mat activity and additional ideas to support focused listening. The eight featured activities include Simon Says, Classroom Morning Meeting, Partner Conversations, Storytelling Pods, Teaching "Whole Body Listening," Listening Mats, Directed Drawings, and the 20 Questions Listening Game. Each activity includes a brief description and clear directions. A bonus activity, The Story Telling Listening Game, offers even more opportunities for young learners to build attentive listening skills.
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tag(s): empathy (66), listening (117), preK (322), social and emotional learning (196)
In the Classroom
Students can use Google Slides, reviewed here to create their own 20 Question Listening Game. Students can create their own direct drawings by recording themselves using Seesaw, reviewed here. Finally, students can create a comic modeling Whole Body Listening using Cartoon Comic Maker, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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7 Engaging Listening Activities for Small Groups - eSpark
Grades
K to 5
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In the article "7 Engaging Listening Activities for Small Groups," eSpark Learning shares seven playful, easy-to-use activities to help students strengthen listening and speaking skills...more
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In the article "7 Engaging Listening Activities for Small Groups," eSpark Learning shares seven playful, easy-to-use activities to help students strengthen listening and speaking skills in small instructional groups. The ideas include interactive games such as Draw This, Telephone, Simon Says, Popcorn Storytelling, and My Favorite Toss, all designed to build active listening, memory, verbal communication, and collaboration. The article highlights the importance of treating listening as a mindful skill and offers suggestions for adapting activities to different ages and needs. Teachers can use these activities during centers, small-group rotations, or language arts lessons to support engagement, communication, and social learning.
tag(s): blogs (76), game based learning (304), listening (117)
In the Classroom
Have students take turns adding one sentence at a time to create a shared story. Each student must listen closely to maintain the plot and characters. Add a challenge by having them incorporate a vocabulary word or literary device. Play Simon Says with added complexity, such as multi-step directions or academic vocabulary. Have students practice following sequential instructions and staying focused under pressure. After listening to a short passage or poem, students can take turns retelling only what they remember. Each partner adds new details until the whole idea is restored.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Cinco de Mayo, Viva La Learning! - Learning Resources
Grades
K to 5
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This blog post from Learning Resources offers a teacher-friendly overview of Cinco de Mayo, blending historical background with playful, hands-on learning ideas for students. It explains...more
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This blog post from Learning Resources offers a teacher-friendly overview of Cinco de Mayo, blending historical background with playful, hands-on learning ideas for students. It explains that the holiday commemorates the Mexican victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 and emphasizes themes of perseverance and cultural pride. The article suggests incorporating games, crafts, and interactive activities to help students explore Mexican culture while reinforcing key academic skills. Overall, it provides a mix of content knowledge and practical classroom ideas, making it a useful resource for engaging students in both the history and cultural significance of Cinco de Mayo.
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tag(s): blogs (76), cinco de mayo (29), cultures (292), holidays (285), mexico (70), preK (322)
In the Classroom
Have students create a comic strip or illustrated storyboard using Free Comic Strip Maker by Adobe, reviewed here that tells the story of the Battle of Puebla, combining history with sequencing and visual storytelling. Set up stations focused on different aspects of Mexican culture, such as music, food, traditions, and history. Have students rotate through stations and complete a quick task at each. In groups, students can design a respectful Cinco de Mayo celebration that includes historically accurate information, cultural elements, and activities. They can present their plan to the class.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Reading Trek: The Captain's Dog: My Journey with the Lewis & Clark Tribe - TeachersFirst
Grades
5 to 8
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This Reading Trek brings The Captain's Dog: My Journey with the Lewis & Clark Tribe to life through the eyes of Lewis's Newfoundland pup, Seaman. Students explore the Lewis and...more
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This Reading Trek brings The Captain's Dog: My Journey with the Lewis & Clark Tribe to life through the eyes of Lewis's Newfoundland pup, Seaman. Students explore the Lewis and Clark expedition using a Google My Maps journey, engaging in activities such as creating illustrated travel journals, producing short "postcards from the past" videos, and designing timelines that track the expedition's progress. Collaborative and creative extensions, including podcast storytelling, comic strip recreations, and structured discussions on leadership and perseverance, encourage students to think deeply about perspective and historical events. By combining hands-on projects, technology integration, and cross-curricular connections, this plan helps students build empathy, strengthen comprehension, and develop a richer understanding of exploration and discovery.
tag(s): explorers (65), lewis and clark (14)
In the Classroom
Have students design a visual timeline (digital with MyLens, reviewed here or paper) that connects major expedition events to specific locations, including dates, images, and brief explanations. In small groups, students can record short podcast episodes with Buzzsprout, reviewed here from the perspective of expedition members (Lewis, Clark, Seaman, or Sacagawea), sharing discoveries, challenges, and emotions. Have students create a hand-drawn or digital journal with Sway, reviewed here from Seaman's perspective, including maps, sketches, and diary-style entries that describe each stop along the expedition.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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StoryJumper - Peter Weck and John Yen
Grades
K to 8
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Students can create, illustrate, narrate, and publish their own storybooks, making this an excellent resource for supporting writing and creativity in the classroom. Students can design...more
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Students can create, illustrate, narrate, and publish their own storybooks, making this an excellent resource for supporting writing and creativity in the classroom. Students can design books using templates or from scratch, add images and characters, and even collaborate with others or share their work with a wider audience. A major benefit for teachers is that the platform is free to use online, allowing students to create and share digital books and read stories from a global library at no cost. While optional paid features include printing hardcover or paperback books or downloading digital versions, the core storytelling and publishing tools remain completely free, making it a valuable resource for integrating writing, technology, and creativity into classroom instruction.
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tag(s): digital storytelling (166), stories and storytelling (75)
In the Classroom
Have students write and publish a personal narrative or memoir, adding illustrations and narration. Have students create informational books in science or social studies (for example, life cycles, ecosystems, or historical events). Work together to create a class book where each student contributes one page or chapter.Edge Features:
Includes an education-only area for teachers and students
Parent permission advised before posting student work created using this tool
Includes Interaction w general public/ public galleries with unmoderated content
Includes social features, such as "friends," comments, ratings by others
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Requires registration/log in (NO email)
Premium version (not free) includes additional features or storage
Products can be embedded
Products can be shared by URL
Multiple users can collaborate on the same project
Includes teacher tools for registering and/or monitoring students
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Cinco de Mayo | All About the Holidays - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
3 to 8
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This resource from PBS LearningMedia provides a short, student-friendly video and supporting materials that introduce the history and significance of Cinco de Mayo as part of the "All...more
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This resource from PBS LearningMedia provides a short, student-friendly video and supporting materials that introduce the history and significance of Cinco de Mayo as part of the "All About the Holidays" series. It explains the holiday's origins, including the Battle of Puebla, and highlights how it is celebrated and why it is important in both Mexico and the United States. Designed for classroom use, the resource combines visual storytelling with accessible explanations to help students build background knowledge and cultural understanding. Teachers can easily integrate it into social studies or ELA lessons as a quick introduction or discussion starter, making it a useful multimedia tool for engaging learners.
tag(s): cinco de mayo (29), cultures (292), holidays (285), mexico (70)
In the Classroom
After viewing, have students create a simple timeline of the Battle of Puebla using the Timeline Tool by ReadWriteThink, reviewed here, sequencing key events and explaining why the victory was important. Have students identify causes (the French invasion, Mexican resistance) and effects (the victory at Puebla, cultural celebrations) to deepen their comprehension of historical relationships. Facilitate a class discussion comparing how Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in Mexico and the United States, encouraging students to consider cultural perspectives and avoid stereotypes.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Cinco de Mayo - Newsela
Grades
5 to 12
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Newsela's Cinco de Mayo features lesson ideas in Social Studies and ELA. Lessons aligned with Social Studies include learning the history of the holiday, how it is celebrated in the...more
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Newsela's Cinco de Mayo features lesson ideas in Social Studies and ELA. Lessons aligned with Social Studies include learning the history of the holiday, how it is celebrated in the United States and Mexico, and the journey to and from Mexico. For ELA, lessons include using a three-column worksheet to write down information from three sources and learning about storytelling.
tag(s): artists (100), cinco de mayo (29), cultures (292), holidays (285), mexico (70)
In the Classroom
Students can use the NotebookLM, reviewed here to write down the information from the three sources. Students can use Venn Diagram Creator by Canva, reviewed here to compare and contrast how the holiday is celebrated in the United States and Mexico. Students can use Storyboard That, reviewed here to create a story to share about Cinco de Mayo.
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The 150 Best Podcasts to Enrich Your Mind - Open Culture, LLC
Grades
6 to 12
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The Great Podcasts section of Open Culture offers teachers a curated list of more than 135 free podcast series covering topics such as art, design, music, history, philosophy, business,...more
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The Great Podcasts section of Open Culture offers teachers a curated list of more than 135 free podcast series covering topics such as art, design, music, history, philosophy, business, and culture. Popular titles include 99 Percent Invisible, The New Yorker Radio Hour, Freakonomics Radio, and This American Life. These podcasts are excellent tools for classroom listening, discussion prompts, or independent enrichment across multiple subjects and grade levels. Please note that some podcast episodes or companion materials are available on YouTube; if your district blocks YouTube, those episodes may not be accessible.
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tag(s): business (50), design (76), famous people (40), podcasts (161), sports (88)
In the Classroom
Choose a short podcast episode, such as 99 Percent Invisible or This American Life, and have students listen in groups, noting the main ideas, tone, and supporting details. Follow with a discussion on how the speaker uses storytelling to convey meaning. Provide a transcript (if available) and have students annotate key phrases, claims, and rhetorical techniques to reinforce listening comprehension and textual analysis. Pair podcasts with other media, for example, listen to a design-focused 99 Percent Invisible episode during a STEM or art project, and have students present how the podcast deepened their understanding of the topic.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Open Cultures Free Movies Online - Open Culture, LLC
Grades
6 to 12
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The "Free Movies Online" section of Open Culture offers teachers access to a vast library of more than 4,000 films available legally and for free, spanning beloved classics, independent...more
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The "Free Movies Online" section of Open Culture offers teachers access to a vast library of more than 4,000 films available legally and for free, spanning beloved classics, independent cinema, documentaries, silent movies, Westerns, noir, and more. Popular titles and collections include works by directors such as Alfred Hitchcock (e.g., The 39 Steps and The Lodger) and large curated sets, such as 300+ free films from the National Film Board of Canada. Please note: many of the films are hosted on YouTube, so if your school district blocks YouTube access, those particular links may not be viewable.
tag(s): famous people (40), movies (52)
In the Classroom
Choose a classic film, such as The 39 Steps or Modern Times, and have students analyze its camera angles, lighting, dialogue, and symbolism. Discuss how early filmmakers conveyed emotion and story without advanced technology. Assign documentaries or period films that connect to Social Studies lessons. Students can create short presentations using Adobe Express for Education, reviewed here linking the film's events or issues to real-world history. Host a mini "World Film Week" where students view and discuss short films or animations from different countries in the Open Culture library, identifying how culture and setting influence storytelling.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Hopper the Explorer - Google Arts & Culture Experiments
Grades
2 to 8
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Explore the world with Hopper the pengugin and Google Maps. Select one of the circles on the map to identify the location, then choose "Okay, let's go!" to drop Hopper ...more
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Explore the world with Hopper the pengugin and Google Maps. Select one of the circles on the map to identify the location, then choose "Okay, let's go!" to drop Hopper into the location for a visit. Use your mouse to rotate the image for a 360-degree view, or click anywhere on the picture to move Hopper to a different area. The "learn more" link provides additional details, and you can click the camera icon to take a fun snapshot of Hopper at their chosen location. Expand locations by typing any location into the search bar, then drop Hopper into that location to explore in a 360-degree view.
tag(s): map skills (69), maps (225)
In the Classroom
Share Hopper the Explorer with students to help them find summaries of several global locations and increase their understanding of world geography. Be sure to demonstrate how to find any destination and drop Hopper in to take a look around. Students can take a picture of a location they explore, then use that image as a basis for further research about the area. Ask students to share Hopper's story using Canva Docs, reviewed here and use Canva's templates, images, and videos as a storytelling project. Extend learning using Google My Maps, reviewed here and have students create maps that feature a virtual visit to locations relating to their current studies, places featured in novels, or significant events in history.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Design Thinking Challenge: Design a Game - Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
Grades
6 to 8
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The ORISE lesson plan "Design Thinking Challenge: Design a Game" is a middle school activity for grades 6-8 that introduces students to the design thinking process by having them create...more
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The ORISE lesson plan "Design Thinking Challenge: Design a Game" is a middle school activity for grades 6-8 that introduces students to the design thinking process by having them create a board game for younger learners. Over the course of about ten class periods, students move through the steps of empathizing with their audience, defining needs, brainstorming ideas, prototyping, testing, and refining their designs. Using simple classroom materials, they design content-based games that are both engaging and educational for first- and second-graders. The lesson emphasizes problem-solving, creativity, and iteration, while also encouraging collaboration and real-world application as students test their games with younger peers and improve them based on feedback. It provides a hands-on way to integrate STEM, critical thinking, and empathy into the classroom.
tag(s): collaboration (112), problem solving (273), professional development (318), STEM (364), thinking skills (115)
In the Classroom
Have students interview younger peers, siblings, or even adults reflecting on their childhood to learn what kinds of games children enjoy and what challenges they face when learning new rules. During the design process, have groups exchange their early prototypes with another group to play-test. Sharing prototypes and discussing designs builds peer feedback skills and helps students recognize gaps or confusing rules before testing with younger children. Introduce students to different mechanics used in professional games (dice rolling, spinners, strategy, chance, storytelling). Ask them to analyze how each mechanic affects player engagement and decide which to include in their designs.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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