GET  YOUR  GAME ON!

Keeping track of experience points might sound like something that will make 1/3 of your hair either go grey or fall out, but that really isn't the case.  We'll see some friendly ways to track exp below.

 

First, let's look at how a teacher can keep track of points.  With my middle schoolers, I used a printed Excel sheet that listed each student's name down the side and each Mission across the top.  When students completed a mission, I just checked them off - quick and easy.  Depending on how you designed your experience points, you could also only make note of students who did not earn points for a mission.

 

With my elementary schoolers, I used the gradebook feature on Edmodo to track their points online.  Unfortunately, the gradebook rounds points to a percentile average, but each student (or teacher) can click on their profile and see the total points earned / points possible.  Even though this method of keeping track takes more time because I have to go online, I chose this method because my third graders have a little more trouble remembering to keep track of their points and this offered them a place where they can check their total points whenever they need to (without having to come and ask me).

 

Next, let's look at how the students keep track of points.   Let me begin by saying students really do need to keep track of their points for several reasons.  1. It's a real life math activity - and we can't pass those up!  2. Students need to know how many points they need for the next level so that they can make wise choices.  3. It holds students accountable for their part in the game.  4.  The habit of writing things down is a good foundation for keeping track of a planner, checkbook, agenda, etc.  

 

 

My students use Player Cards to track their points.  (You can download the Word document here.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As students earn points, they write it down on their Player Cards.  Students are responsible for keeping up with their cards and their points.  

 

What if students (or players) forget to write down points?  In the past, when students have leveled up and have told me they earned less exp than they really did, I do not correct them.  This year, students can always check Edmodo to see their current exp totals.

 

What if students loose their player cards?  Students who lost their cards were compared to students who lost their saved games, but instead of restarting the game, they restart the level with the minimum number of points.  For example, if a student passes Level 1 with 135 points and loses their card, they'll still be on Level 2 but will only have the minimum 100 points.  They can re-earn Level 2 points by showing me the graded work again.

 

Some of you may have noticed the Teacher Signature area on the Player Cards.  Do I always sign them for each mission?  No.  This year, I'm only signing side missions as they are done, but I'll sign the whole card when player levels up.  Instead of the Teacher Signature section, I had a Badges section last year and taped their level badges there when they earned them.