We know school is all business, but cognitive science tells us our brains can’t learn unless we feel safe, intrigued and capable. Enter JAMs. Unlike ordinary programming that regards literacy and engagement as separate tasks, JAMs meet in the middle to make reading a blast! Each JAM is a 50-minute reading activity; a small group challenge containing four (4) separate texts, each with a different viewpoint and lexile. This approach manages cognitive load while sending a message that history is more than multifaceted, it's fascinating! Next, players use skilled listening and healthy dialogue to piece out the past. Because background knowledge lays a foundation for success in equivalent classes at higher grades. And hindsight heals. Organized by standard, spiraled by schemas, JAMs come in sets of 10 to cover the years 1492-1876. Play a JAM as stand-alone fun, or use them as prequels and sequels between BRAVE board games for serious fun!