It seems like I will be using Minecraft as an engagement tool for the duration of my internship. Despite Minecraft being only a simple engagement tool, it started to transmogrify into something bigger. I began to develop entire resources and work materials based on Minecraft. My math class has been transformed into Mathcraft. All of the SMARTBOARD activities, worksheets, and in-class rewards now involved Minecraft. I was just as excited as the students at this point. I also developed four classcube to award four students each weeks for positive behaviours.
- A student would earn a diamond cube for being neat and clean; the perk is to be the first student in line.
- A student would earn an emerald cube for helping others; this student is in charge of the projector remote.
- A lazuli cube for helping others; this student will be teacher's assistant.
- A gold cube for being the most improved student; this student gets a special letter and has a choice to stay in lunch recess to play Minecraft.
So far the engagement has been incredible. Also the students are encouraged to challenge themselves to improve their behaviour: one student came up to me and actually told me that he was going to challenge himself not to chew on his pencil. This upcoming week will be a challenge for him but we will see how it goes.