Understanding Self Through Gaming and Design in 5th Grade

In February, Lower and Intermediate School Technology Education Specialist Sarah Beebe, Lower and Intermediate School Librarian and Information Specialist Mary Catherine Coleman and 5th grade teacher Mike McPharlin presented at the EdTechTeacher Innovation Summit. As its website explains, “the EdTechTeacher Innovation Summit is a unique learning experience that brings together tested and practical edtech strategies for the classroom, as well as thought leaders to explore what is next in education and edtech.”

 

Beebe, Coleman and McPharlin presented a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum they developed that uses gamification to give students ownership of their learning through the design thinking process and allows them to think about their thinking to create games that develop their understanding of social emotional competencies. Those in attendance explored how to use the design process, gamification, technology—including 3D printing, Scratch, Makey Makey and Inklewriter—and maker materials to help students dive deep into SEL, as the students did in McPharlin’s 5th grade this winter. Beebe, Coleman and McPharlin shared strategies and materials with teachers that can help them develop a structure they can use to apply to their own SEL and technology curriculum. The session welcomed a packed audience, and the Parker teachers were thrilled to share with the larger, national community some of the exciting things that are happening at Parker!

 

Please check out the process and fantastic work of McPharlin’s 5th graders to create their games about self-awareness here.