eduPLAYnation is a Game Theory application called "repeated games" that combines Learning Science with social studies standards to engage, inspire and foster higher order thinking. Unlike gamification which depends on rewards to incentivize students, this Game Based approach uses human connection to spark intrigue. Learning becomes sticky as small groups realize reading is just one aspect of the game. Transforming a "task conflict," depends on active listening, humility, and speaking in a way that others will listen. Taken together, learning is stored across the social or prefrontal cortex, a superior storage system as compared to the brain region that stores isolated facts.

JAMs are played by small groups as stand-alone activities in 50 minutes. Alternately, groups can use JAMs between BRAVE games as prequels and sequels to bridge board game learning. Every JAM package pdf is 16 pp. and includes (6) ELA extensions, with extensions taking approximately 30-50 minutes each. If you're playing JAMs between BRAVE board games--with each board game taking 5 consecutive, 60-90 minute sessions--your class could play multiple JAMs within one era of U.S. History, moving across a series/strand to prepare and/or summarize board game learning. If so, there is enough integrated programming to make one board game and its corelating JAMs last about a month. This is a wise move because while board games are wildly engaging, expansive and detailed, gaming happens quickly. Meanwhile, JAMs offer a deep dive into specific, underlying topics that board games alone can't address.

JAMs are stacked chronologically, from 1492-1876, in sets of ten by social studies standards. So far, we've completed TWO series: one for government; another for geography. JAMs are intuitive and easy to master. Plus, every JAM and every series is organized identically, meaning once you’ve played your first JAM, you’re ready to play ‘em all. The beauty is that as you move from JAM to JAM, or from series to series, the focus shifts but the historical backdrop remains constant so students will begin to anticipate watching how each new "piece of the puzzle" falls into place. This framework allows us to create infinite JAMs while keeping students connected to our nation's overarching narrative. There are two exceptions. FIRST, every JAM 1 is an ice breaker that explores a different commercial board game, including its historical context, gaming mechanics, and the thread to connects it to every JAM in its series/strand. SECOND, every JAM 10 falls under the schema of “creativity” and uses applied learning to connect JAM 2-9.

Every JAM reinforces emerging pathways to deepen knowledge and make connections through time. Including real time.

We use 10 Pre-Game Warm-Up "booklets" to introduce 10 schemas, 1 for each JAM. Schemas are concepts that set the tone and lens for exploring each JAM, i.e., conflict, cooperation, and trust. Download & print these booklets double-sided, head-to-head, and fold.

Schemas are conceptual frameworks that do FOUR things: 1) keep students grounded & organized; 2) cue higher order thinking; 3) frame GUIDING QUESTIONS found in each JAM pdf package; and 3) guide ELA extensions.

eduPLAYnation brings science into the social sciences in FOUR ways 1) it adheres to Learning Science by putting social studies in the foreground of ELA. In line with the Scarborough Reading Rope, JAMs build on your students' previous work in phonics, word recognition, and background knowledge to focus on building vocabulary, language structure, reasoning skills and literary knowledge; 2) initiates rigor for the social brain, a superior storage system compared to other brain regions; 3) it incorporates Game Theory into lower grades; 4) it positions students as scientists so they can follow scientific protocol to create "living model of the past" so they can practice revealing, recording, and analyzing data in a controlled setting.

Just like reading & writing, we believe teaching & learning are reciprocal tasks. We don’t preach inclusivity and civility, our method design hinges on it! Humans survive, indeed they THRIVE on belonging—to families, friends, and primary cultures—but not to the exclusion of "other." In fact, learning about and collaborating with people outside our immediate circles deepens our sense of self, provided we know who we are at our core. If so, we're prepared to set healthy boundaries. This starts with managing the chain events that connects us to to others by identifying emotions, lining up thoughts, and controlling actions. Lucky you, JAMs break it down every step of the way! To start, our method ensures every player takes responsibility for group learning since each person plays a key role building context. Using empathy to cue cognition, each player answers WHO, WHERE, WHAT, WHEN, HOW, and WHY. These points notwithstanding, each player's understanding is naturally subjective, making their viewpoint somewhat biased if not limited. Yet small groups also recognize how different viewpoints overlap. At that rate they're increasingly driven to put the pieces together, so to speak, making room for every voice.