Gamify your classroom and increase student motivation as they earn badges and advance through levels of this Mayan Game! Use these elements with any subject area or lesson.
 
After reading Explore Like a Pirate by Michael Matera, I was excited to transform a unit into a game. This gamification kit includes all the pieces to turn your instruction into a board game! All the materials are ready to print and use in your "gamified" classroom. Students will love completing work during this unit because earning badges is motivating!
 
How does it work?
While there is a bit to print and prepare in this gamification kit, I literally stapled pages from this resource on top of my current math unit. I divided my previously arranged unit into 7 chronological “Levels.” Simply use any pre-made lessons or curriculum documents and divide into 7 sections.
 
On some days, I taught a whole or small group lesson and then gave students time to work on their “Level Packets" with their teams. On other days, we would play a review game or take a quiz. Because students can earn Achievement Points during games and quizzes, they are motivated to participate.
 
This kit engages students by adding a gaming element on top of your typical lesson plan. The included EDITABLE PowerPoint slides allow you to customize rewards, achievement points, and explorer roles as needed (13 editable slides).
 
Contents:
Printable Game Board Posters (No Assembly Required... just hang on your wall/whiteboard)
Team Game Pieces
Explorer Roles (Divides responsibility amongst group members)
Points Tracking Sheet
Game Master (That's you... the teacher!) Tracking Page
Level Covers (These include a story and explanation of goals for each level. You staple this on top of your worksheets/assignments/projects for the level, etc.)
Advancement Item Cards (11 cards for students to purchase throughout the game)
Additional Item Cards (10 bonus cards that give students special privileges within the game and classroom)
Achievement Points (17 badges students can earn by completing Side Quests, Journals, Math Facts, Quizzes, or whatever you want to add... remember, these are customizable on PowerPoint) *I especially love that the achievement points come with QR codes on the back, like LIFE tiles. Students know that memorizing their multiplication facts can earn them 25-50 points, but they don't know the exact amount until they choose a card and scan the code. The element of surprise makes it so suspenseful!
Binder Covers
Management Tips
Printing Suggestions
 
This kit can be used with any subject area! If you choose to attach it to a math unit, you may be interested in my Mayan Number System Inquiry Project. I print this packet for teams who reach Level 7. It extends beyond our regular curriculum, so it is a perfect challenge for students who reach the end of the game.
 
If it's your first time trying gamification in your classroom, prepare to be blown away by the increase in participation, engagement, and focus during your lessons. Students will work hard to earn badges and race to the Maya Temple first!