Minecraft Club

Minecraft Club

Minecraft. Talk about relevance, right? Throughout my 3 years of teaching, I have heard a lot about Minecraft (mostly from the kids...and maybe a few nerdy adults ;)), but really didn’t know much about it. Technology and relevance are two professional goals that I am working on this year. I am always trying create a relevant world for my class. I have found my students to be some of the best teachers when it comes to technology. My 4^th graders LOVE Minecraft. I wanted to learn more about a game that gets them so excited and interested. I often wondered how I could combine their love of this game (relevance) and use our chrome books (technology) to create a lesson. However, when I was asked by a parent volunteer to take the helm of Minecraft Club at our school, I felt very apprehensive. I wasn’t completely confident about my blended learning skills in the classroom. How could I possibly LEAD a club that combined technology and collaboration? I feel like I'm barely just learning myself, but I thought back to my professional goals for this year. I decided to just go for it Taking chances (throwing caution at the wind) and hoping things work out seems to be a recurring theme for me this school year*. I am really thankful I did! What a great learning lesson for myself and for my students about taking a leap of faith and rising the worry cloud of failure. I have discovered a true passion for Minecraft and could  go on and on about how it inspires students beyond just the “game”. Minecraft gives kids the freedom to create. It broadens their imagination and inspires them to build and think beyond the walls of their little world. It is also a problem-solving game. It pushes them to higher-level and critical thinking. Above all else, witnessing them collaborate and create with big smiles has been one of my greatest joys this school year. 

If you are thinking about ways to get involved on your campus, I highly recommend starting a Minecraft Club. There are endless tools online about how to implement Minecraft into lesson plans etc. As I am learning more, I am discovering ways to actually make some lessons happen during classroom time. Taking a leap and leading this club has helped remind me that there are so many resources for kids beyond the walls of our classroom. 

Helpful resources:

http://www.thetechedvocate.org/10-classroom-uses-minecraft/

https://wiki.education.minecraft.net/wiki/Teaching_with_MinecraftEdu

* We are currently building a Meadow Wood World on Minecraft using actual plans of our campus. We are only on week 1 of this, but the kids are so excited! Check it out below!