“ I thought it was important to create a story that the students could relate to; a tale that made them feel comfortable while still challenging them and sparking their curiosity.”
“ I thought it was important to create a story that the students could relate to; a tale that made them feel comfortable while still challenging them and sparking their curiosity.”
How does the game work?
Students answer the questions in one virtual room to receive a code, which allows them to move to the next room. They continue this process until they collect all the codes needed to create the final password to escape the school.
The results
Some benefits I observed were that students were fully engaged, challenged, and curious. They enjoyed working in teams, reviewing grammar, and practicing reading skills. One of the most rewarding aspects was seeing how the boys applied lessons learned not only by interacting with the escape room, but also by designing their own games. They demonstrated excellent creativity, and critical thinking in the process.
Student reflections
At the end of the activity, students completed a short survey to share their impressions. Their feedback was very positive, highlighting both the fun and the learning involved. One student summed it up by saying,“ I wouldn’ t change anything. It was perfect.” Many noted how the challenge pushed them to read more effectively under pressure.“ I had to understand the questions to solve them,” one student explained, while another shared,“ Even if I only understood a few words, I could still figure it out.” Others emphasized how the activity helped them apply reading strategies like using context clues or combining what they knew to make sense of unfamiliar language. As one student put it,“ Piecing together what I didn’ t know with what I did, helped me solve the puzzles.” Overall, the responses showed that the escape room was not only an enjoyable activity but also a meaningful way to build confidence and improve reading comprehension. •
Screenshots of the Escape Room activity Ms. Brenes developed for her Spanish class.
Leonor Brenes is a Seventh Grade Homeroom Teacher and Upper School Spanish Teacher at Saint David’ s School.
Summer 2025 • 23