Building
knowledge.
Building skills.
Building leaders.
Transform your classroom into an extraordinary learning lab with a Game Based method that combines traditional content with real world skills.
What is eduPLAYnation?
eduPLAYnation is an online platform that offers K4-5 task conflicts and comes complete with lessons and extensions. This novel approach uses human connection to spark intrigue, plus it aligns with Science of Reading guidelines so all learners can explore the role trust plays in conflict & cooperation.
What are JAMS?
JAMs are 30-minute shortform games that position small groups to layer historical viewpoints, identify bias & test truths. With a growing library of JAMs, organized by standard & schema, students spiral knowledge & skills needed to outwit the past. Use JAMs as stand-alone activities, or as prequels and sequels that bridge BRAVE games. Play one, or play ’em all!
Why are JAMS important?
Ever been in a jam? Of course you have, everyone has! Getting out of a jam without creating a bigger mess demands a skilled response. Enter JAMS. These problem-based activities hinge on skilled reading, healthy dialogue and creative problem solving. Because kids love sticky situations!
What are BRAVE games?
BRAVE games are longform board game history games. Whereby a classroom is divided into 5 or 6 teams and tasked with identifying their competitive advantage so they can buy, sell, and trade small game pieces—including natural resources, iron tools, commodities, livestock, land, gold, and silver. Competitive gaming takes 5 one-hour sessions yet becomes collaborative as student-led teams begin to realize that everyone wins more when everyone wins. There are four BRAVE board games that explore different regions/eras, each played on the same board game surface.
How Do You Play a JAM?
Each JAM is a 30-minute adventure that transforms your classroom into an interactive learning environment through 8 engaging steps.
BOOKLET
Each JAM as an optional lesson that presents a unique schema, embedded vocabulary & guiding questions to frame learning ahead of a JAM. Highly recommended, not essential. Download & print.
ENGAGE
The hook is a quick quote, image or brain teaser that piques interest just before a JAM begins. Found on the fi rst page of each 16 pp. PDF packet–download & print!
SETUP
Teachers organize their class into breakout sessions, groups of 4,then deliver 1 page/role/student.
EXPLORE
Individual group members read and annotate their unique viewpoint.
EXPLAIN
Small groups work in teams to layer the 4 viewpoints. Graphic organizer & timeline
ELABORATE
Large group reconvenes to further collaborate and clarify key points, found in Guiding Questions.
EVALUATE
Small groups reassemble to complete graphic organizer & diagnose the embedded conflict.
EXTENSIONS
(6) extensions, labeled B-G, provide structured journaling, retrieval practice, analysis, and more!
BRAVE Games
Alliance Diplomatique
explore how nation building rests on international relations
Hopewell
identify & analyze the growing pains of a young democracy.
PODER
experience the difference between power and authority
Bozeman Trail
there are infi nite pathways to expansion, seen and unseen; some are sustainable BRAVE
JAM Series
Trusted Voices From Our Nation
4th grade teacher, Desert View Elementary, Rock Springs, WY
At the beginning of the week I was skeptical my students would be able to manage this much complexity. But after listening to them debrief their combined experiences during the last session, I realized ALL of my students successfully met the learning objectives. Now I’m skeptical adults could do what my students just did.”
Jess Moore, 4th grade teacher; Jackson Elementary; Wyoming
EduPLAYnation is a game-changer in my classroom of diverse learners! From interactive lessons to thought-provoking activities, every component of this curriculum is meticulously designed to capture students' attention and foster deep understanding. Students have opportunities to develop skills as readers, critical thinkers, writers, team players and above all else advance their social skills
Kathy Brower, St. Stephen’s BIE School, Riverton, WY
The students learned so much in such a short time. A good testament for the success of the games was that all of the students wanted to know when we could play again! As a teacher, that kind of enthusiasm tells me that it was a real success.”
Anne B.; parent, Jackson, Wyoming
Watching my son engage with the BRAVE games while learning Western history was incredible. The games made history come alive for him in a new way; like he was living the moments. He came away not only with a deeper understanding of the past but also with a newfound enthusiasm for learning. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to make history both fun and meaningful for him!”
Ali & Will E.; parent, Jackson, Wyoming
Our child loved playing PODER! He came home everyday with updates on gameplay. As parents, we were excited that he wanted to share what he’d learned. More importantly, we noticed that sharing knowledge was boosting his confi dence! Listening to him proudly explain what he’d learned was so fun, and so fulfi lling! What an awesome addition to the curriculum!”
5th grader; Kelly, Wyoming
I really appreciated the time and effort you put into this Bozeman Trail game. It was very fun and engaging, and really grew my understanding of the 1800s. It also allowed me to studie [sic] the economy. It was really fascinating learning about how people loved consumerism and would get so wrapped up in it, they would kill other people just to get it. I defi nitely think that though there was so much emotion and greed I really think the WHOLE class enjoyed it. Thank you for a whole week of amazing, emotional, fascinating, fun, and very stressful week!!!”
4th grader; Kelly, Wyoming
I’m not good at writing letters. But I would like to thank you for coming to our school. I’ve learned about fi guring out peoples bias, and how to respect it. Thank you!”
4th grader; Casper, Wyoming
The game made me more confi dent for in later life and adult-hood: it made me better at dealing with making better disitions [sic] when I am stressed. You should play the game with adults then compare them to us…”
10th grade ELL student, Jackson Hole High School, Jackson, WY
In my opinion these games are a fun way to learn the history of our past, it doesn’t make me want to sleep in history class, no offense to my teacher, but instead we learn something from it while being part of the game. The game helps us feel the way the people then did, we had empathy for them. I think this game should be played by many other schools, I think they would enjoy them.”
4th grader, Jackson Elementary, Jackson, WY
The most yousfull [sic] thing is learning how to solve problums [sic] without a fi ght.
4th grader, Jackson Elementary, Jackson, WY
It is fun, and you get to learn new stuff about history everyday. You learn how people survived and helped or didn’t help people.
From Sherry Smith,SMU Professor Emeritus
The most important thing about these games is that it makes it really clear to students and anybody who plays this game that history is not just one story. It is a multiplicity of narratives and explanations and points of view. It’s a chance to understand how complicated history is.
Frequently Asked Questions
The purpose of JAMs is to practice layering viewpoints before forming a response.
Yes. JAMs use problem-based learning that lets students gradually take responsibility for group learning. They support shy, hesitant, or non-traditional learners by helping them discover their voice
Managing discomfort is a key 21st-century skill. JAMs help students face challenging ideas while balancing emotions with critical thinking, both individually and as a group.
Yes. JAMs are designed to engage diverse learners through collaborative, inquiry-centered design that supports culturally responsive thinking.
