Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Escape the Train: Digital L-Blends Activity

Escape the Train: Digital L-Blends Activity | Apples to Applique

I can't even begin to tell you all how excited I am about this new product line: digital escape rooms for phonics skills!

I fell in love with making escape rooms for early childhood a couple of years ago; they are a great way to get kids using their imaginations and having fun while they learn.
Then COVID-19 hit, and we were suddenly shoved into a new way of doing things. Along the way, I discovered Boom Cards, and all of the possibilities they have! They are interactive, self-checking, and engaging, which is perfect for distance learning, independent centers, or even homework.

So, I decided to merge the two things to create Boom Card escape rooms. I am obsessed with them! Using the Boom platform has enabled me to add cool touches like sound effects, and kids love them! My daughters and my nephews have tested them out for me, and one of my nephews asked his mom if they could learn everything this way from now on. If that isn't high praise, I don't know what is!

As I am teaching first grade now, this new line is designed for kids slightly older than the students for whom my printable escape rooms are designed. Each digital escape room focuses on one phonics skill. This first one, Escape the Train, is all about l-blends.

Escape the Train: Digital L-Blends Activity | Apples to Applique

The game begins with students receiving a mission to board a train and unlock a case containing a secret message. Students find clues on the train and complete 4 different l-blends activities.

Escape the Train: Digital L-Blends Activity | Apples to Applique

Escape the Train: Digital L-Blends Activity | Apples to Applique

At the end of each activity, they earn one letter to use in unlocking the case.

Escape the Train: Digital L-Blends Activity | Apples to Applique

After all 4 letters have been earned, they put them on the lock in the correct order to open the case and read the message.

Escape the Train: Digital L-Blends Activity | Apples to Applique

Escape the Train: Digital L-Blends Activity | Apples to Applique

The bit of mystery, idea of a secret mission, and engaging photos and sound effects draw students in as they play; they hardly even realize they are learning!
Pre- and emerging readers can play independently, because audio directions are included, making these activities ideal for centers or extra practice.

You can find Escape the Train here in my TPT store or here from Boom Learning. Make sure you follow me to get notified of each new addition to this line; each escape room will have a different skill focus and a new setting to keep things fresh.

Keep teaching with heart and passion!