21 things every teacher should try:

​Gamify a lesson

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Not to be confused with 'Games Based Learning', Gamification is the process of introducing game-like elements into a traditionally non-gaming contexts to make them more fun and engaging. Gamification strategies include elements such as gamifying grading, incentivising students with rewards and adding competitive elements such as leaderboards. 

Gamifying literacy

One way to introduce gamification is through the use of points and leaderboards. In the example below, students are awarded points for the complexity of the verbs used in their story. The more complex the verb, the more points the student will earn. For example, using the table below, if a student uses the word 'dark' in their story, they will be awarded 3 points however, if they were to use the word 'malevolent' instead, they will earn 5 points. 
Gamify literacy by awarding points for the complexity of words used. 

Using EdTech to gamify learning

​Thanks to improvements in technology and an abundance of online tools, using game-like elements in your classroom has never been easier!
Edmodo

​Edmodo is a FREE 'Social Networking' environment for students, parents and teachers. It provides a safe and easy way for your class to connect and collaborate, share content, and access homework, grades and school notices. In fact, many schools are ditching their VLE's in preference to edmodo.

A feature of edmodo is the ability to award badges. This feature allows you to incentivize your students and provide recognition for their achievements.

Edmodo also allows you to create your own badges by uploading a 114 x 114 pixel image and, if you need a little inspiration before you start creating your own badges, you can easily view and add other teacher’s badges to your collection.
Code Academy​

Code Academy is a free online tool which teaches students to code. Code Academy gamifies learning by awarding badges and points for completing lessons and courses.

Gamifying behavior

ClassDojo

One tool that I use regularly to gamify my lessons is ClassDojo. ClassDojo allows you to reward students with badges for things such as good behavior, working well as a team or just for being on task. 

ClassDojo also allows you to provide instant feedback to your students (‘Well done Josh! +1 for teamwork!’) and is fully customisable for your classroom. Students can track their behavior from home and Parents / Carers can also view their child's progress via the ClassDojo app via a special invitation code.
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