Unlocking Student Engagement with Breakout EDU Kits

Funded Aug 14, 2019

We have used our Breakout EDU boxes three times so far this school year, and I cannot appropriately express how much fun my students and staff members have had! Your generosity and kindness has brought so much joy to our middle school.

The first experience was with my pod of students, which is approximately 125 kids. We played the "Trapped in the Upsidedown" game which is inspired by the Netflix TV Series, "Stranger Things." This experience included all types of learners and levels of ability. ALL of my students were engaged and working together in teams to help solve the puzzles. Students who are normally withdrawn and reserved were "hip deep" in the process. As a teacher, there is no better sight than seeing middle schoolers, from all walks of life, working together as one.

That afternoon, I used the same game on our staff. I am not sure who had more fun, but the teachers only completed the puzzle about 5 minutes before our students did. The excitement and the camaraderie was amazing! I heard staff members laughing and whooping and hollering throughout the entire game. It was a wonderful release for them, and a great way to close out a Friday.

Our latest game was run with my 120 art students. They played "The Infection" game which is about an infectious breakout that has crippled a little town and it members. I watched full-engagement and heard so many wonderful problem-solving ideas. As a teacher, it's an amazing feeling to see my kiddos working as self-navigated learners and having fun with it.

You've helped provide such a wonderful tool to my classroom and my students. There are days that it can be really challenging as a teacher, but special gifts like this help me rise up again and find energy to keep fighting for my students. Thank you for this gift, and filling me with such positive energy.”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Ruane