When a whole grade level approaches you for a breakout, how can you not connect it to a fun holiday theme prior to winter break. I smell a room transformation!
The 3rd grade teachers that I work with were in search of a collaborative breakout activity that would allow their students not only to have fun, but to reinforce the 4Cs at a much needed time. Breakouts, if you haven’t tried one yet, are also a great observation tool for building instructional groups and partners, but to also identify the different types of learners in your class.
The Breakout that we decided on was the gingerbread man theme of, “Can’t Catch Me,” which can be found on the Breakout EDU portal. I wish I could take ownership for this activity, but I can’t. The educator who shared this really put a lot of thought into the process of the clues. We did have to modify it a tad for third grade, but that was mostly because this was also their first breakout and a new learning experience.
While some achieved and caught the gingerbread man, there were others who didn’t. However, everyone won in the end because of the opportunity for reflection. It was so positive to see that an unsuccessful round didn’t discourage 3rd graders from the lesson, in fact, they can’t wait to try more!
Of course, we couldn’t have a gingerbread themed Breakout EDU without a gingerbread house! The baker was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the chefs in training, ready to share the shenanigans that this littler gingerbread man got into around the school!
Teaching In Stride 