Primary school students ‘break out’ of traditional learning

Michele Crum’s enrichment classes at Independence Primary School have taken learning to a whole new level. This fall, students were introduced to Breakout EDU boxes, transforming the classroom into an educational escape room that required solving puzzles, cracking codes and thinking outside the box – literally.

The Breakout EDU initiative presents students with a series of challenges that must be solved to open a locked box. Students benefit from this unconventional learning method by applying knowledge in practical scenarios that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 

The challenges are designed to cater to various learning styles, incorporating elements of reading, observation and even coding. Students must work together to decipher clues and overcome obstacles, promoting communication skills and teamwork in a way that traditional classroom settings often struggle to achieve.

“I’ve seen a remarkable change in how students interact,” said Crum. “Even those who usually shy away from group activities are actively participating and contributing ideas.”

The competitive nature of the activity adds an extra layer of excitement. Students race against the clock to solve the puzzles, which teaches valuable lessons in time management and working under deadlines – skills that will serve students well beyond their school years.

One of the most praised aspects of the Breakout EDU system is the immediate feedback it provides. As students solve each puzzle, they’re instantly rewarded with progress towards their goal, maintaining high levels of engagement and motivation throughout the session.IPS teacher Caitlin Sluka’s students also regularly take part in breakout boxes. She and Crum are writing a grant proposal to the IPS PTO for three more boxes, so they can create more interactive learning opportunities for IPS students in their classrooms and beyond.