January 10, 2024
Principal: Matt Roberts
Grant in Action: Angela Greenlee, Library Media Specialist Breakout Boxes
Angela received an OEF grant in the fall of 2019 for 6 Breakout Boxes. The boxes came with multiple-sized boxes that fit into each other and several types of locks. Breakoutedu.com has digital and kit-based games ready for use. Students and teachers can also create their own kit-based games using the design software. You can purchase a yearly subscription but there are many free resources online.
Angela has used the Breakout Boxes for various activities over the years, but the kids particularly like the Figurative Language Escape Room activity. Angela purchased the activity through Teachers Pay Teachers and then tweaked it to meet her needs. She gives students 5 tasks to complete. After each task, they get the clue to open one of the locks. After the last task, they can answer one more question to “break out” and open the box to get the prize (usually candy).
The Escape Room is fun for students and they stay engaged because they like to compete and all want the prize at the end. The students are in small groups and there are multiple boxes so that everyone has a chance to complete the challenge. They must communicate and collaborate with their group to finish, teaching them more skills than just the ELA content standards.
