Breaking Out to Break In




Breaking Out to Break In

Building class community, learning about your students, and creating a fun environment to learn are a few of the goals we have as teachers when we begin the school year. So what better way than to participate in a Breakout Edu? This September, teachers in our elementary and middle school buildings have been taking this opportunity to create their classroom culture.

By using Breakout Edu games, teachers have seen an increase in communication and collaboration with their students. The skills they practiced through the games transfer to other disciplines and give all students a chance to feel successful. Breakouts can be used throughout the year, in any subject, and at any level. Garnet Valley teachers continue to innovate and provide students with opportunities to build their 21st Century skills, making them Future Ready! #GVFEELING

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Here is what Garnet Valley Teachers had to say:

What did you expect before the Breakout?

“Students interested, but possibly not able to collaborate well”-4th Grade Teacher, GVES

Before experiencing breakout I was worrisome that my kiddos would not be able to complete the tasks without more guidance and directions. I expected a little bit of chaos and confusion, but I was pleasantly surprised!” -5th Grade Teacher, GVES

"I expected students to be able to work together, use critical thinking skills, and to recognize and discuss that words can be powerful." -6th Grade Teacher, GVMS

“This was the first breakout we did this year, so I was expecting to have to remind students to work together as a team and to communicate.” -5th Grade Teacher, BSES

“Lesson on digital citizenship - I was thrilled to see it was a breakout.” -6th Grade Teacher, GVMS

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What did you learn about your students from the breakout?

“I love getting to see individual strengths of my students. I also noticed who can be a leader and have a positive impact on the group while also helping to manage everyone involved in a friendly way. I also got to see who is willing to take risks and who is willing to hear and try other people's ideas.”-1st Grade Teacher, CES


They CAN work together! This was a perfect way to start the year and teach the importance of teamwork.”-4th Grade Teacher, GVES

“I learned how well they work in teams, which students prefer to work independently, how well they collaborate and their processes for problem-solving. I was also able to see which students possess good leadership skills and/or communication skills.”-4th Grade Teacher, GVES

“They are sometimes afraid to fail, but they are also persistent in their attempts to succeed.”
-6th Grade Teacher, GVMS

A good chunk has very short attention spans. A lot really want to help out, but didn't know how to go about doing it when there are larger personalities in the room.”-4th Grade Teacher, GVES

"It was amazing! It was such a collaborative experience for my students and I immediately learned more about the role that each student takes on in the classroom.  The conversations that we were able to have afterward as a class were powerful and meaningful as we work to build and strengthen our classroom community." -5th Grade Teacher, GVES

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How have you seen the experience shape your classroom afterward?


Some of my kiddos who struggle academically really shined during the breakout activity. It gave them a chance to use a skill that they have or to act as a leader to their peers. This is an awesome boost to their self-esteem!”-1st Grade Teacher, CES

“I have the students in groups and they still seem comfortable working together.”
-6th Grade Teacher, GVMS

“We've used some of the same language, such as, "how can we problem solve?" or "let everyone have a say." -4th Grade Teacher, GVES

"Students have been able to do analysis in activities like close reading an image, quote, video, or text because they worked together in a group on these skills so early in the year."
-6th Grade Teacher, GVMS

“Most students are working well together in their science teams during investigations and experiments, using many of the same collaboration skills used during the Breakout.”
  -4th Grade Teacher, GVES

I think my kids got to know each other a lot better and are faster to engage in problem-solving strategies together.-6th Grade Teacher, GVMS


A special thank you to all the teachers who contributed to this blog post: Peggy Clark, Tina Dean, Meg Hayes, Alysha Fassnacht, Meghan Lowe, Kathryn Manari, Gail Mink, Kristin Reid, Eileen Stec, Aisling Travers. 

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