Today I spent time doing breakouts with sixth grade classes. For those who aren’t familiar, think breakout rooms but on a smaller scale.
Students work in small groups with clues tied to given content. In today’s breakout, the content was tied to Gary Paulsen novels and adventures. Once the groups solved the clues, they could attempt at the locks which are either directional, numerical, or word.
Students must use clues, collaboration, problem solving, and content knowledge to solve the clues that will unlock the box.
This is an exciting and new way for students to learn and demonstrate learning. It is the 4Cs (collaboration, communication, critical thinking, creativity) pulled into content in different ways.
I was taken aback when one student asked for the point of as we were debriefing after the break out. So I threw it back at the class; I took a deep breath, wondering if anyone had gotten it. I knew we hadn’t wasted our time. I had watched them work together; have great discourse; use their brains in new ways. BUT had they?
Deep breath. One student responded: we have to collaborate.
Ahhhh. Yes.
Another: we have to work together.
Yes, you do.
We have to look up information on our iPads. Figure it out.
That is true.
They had gotten it. Learning. Wrapped up in a new package.
They got it!
Innovate * Inspire * Lead Change 
What a great experience! I have one of these and haven’t used it just yet…definitely on the top of my “to do” list. Do you have any tips or suggestions on how to get started?
I started with the ones in the Sandbox; found one I liked, watched the video a few times before setting it up, then went for it! So much fun!
I love the Breakout EDU (and the digital versions) for collaborative learning. It’s so important for our students to be able to articulate the purpose of the learning tasks- I’m glad your students found the purpose in this.
You are so right, Amy! And collaboration: it’s everything in our world.