Spelling & Phonics Gamification and Quest Based Learning Not just playing games to learn, but making learning a game.

Dr. Chris Haskell of Boise State & a system of “experience points” I was first introduced to gamification by Dr. Chris Haskell at the 2011 Games in Education Symposium. Now, over 1,000 classrooms are using a gaming model with excellent results. Students engage more with material to be learned. Children have more choice & opportunity for success. The ability to “win” is always possible. Honors personal best not just the best.

A System of “Experience Points” I am introducing this in a small scale project for spelling and phonics. In a traditional program, children practice and work with words and are then tested on those words. They begin with a score of 100% and points are deducted for each error. In my classroom, students begin with 0 points, like in game play, and earn points for each completed “quest”.

A System of “Experience Points” Each “quest” is worth 10 points; this corresponds with and supports our math goals. Each student will be challenged to earn a minimum of 100 points per week. They earn points by completing “quests” best suited to their learning needs and styles.

“Quests” At Home Write a sentence for each spelling word. 4 sentences = 10 points or tweet a picture of your child practicing their spelling words: with magnets, chalk, paint, shaving cream, veggies, sand, etc. 10 points each Make a word collage using spelling words cut from magazines, food packages, or newspapers. Tic-Tac-Toe writing words in place of x & o In School Complete a spelling or phonics station. 10 points each Use a spelling word correctly during journal writing. 20 points (Student must bring it to the teacher’s attention.) This is worth extra points because application/use is the true goal! Mandatory Demonstrate learning on a 4 word test. Ten points for each word. “Chunk” challenge: spell as many words as you can with the targeted spelling pattern or “chunk”. 10 points each word

“More Quest Ideas” Write the words in... shaving cream sand salt finger paints pudding Write the words with... crayons markers colored pencils water chalk with a flashlight on the wall in the dark Shape the words with... Legos dough yarn Build the words with... magnetic letters Scrabble tiles cereal letter beads Illustrate the words...

Changes This system is new and may require modifications during the year, especially if it is not meeting the children’s learning needs and grade level requirements.