Move over GPA, Allow for Experience Points

While I won’t go so far as shouting “WE SHOULD ABOLISH THE GPA AND GO WITH EXPERIENCE POINTS” we should at least consider how to intertwine the two into a lifelong love of learning.

Feel the Power of Leveling Up

Most video and computer games reward the player with Experience Points when they complete in-game activities. As the player gains Experience Points, they start unlocking new levels. New levels present a tad more difficult challenges for the player to overcome. The player rises to the challenge, feeling the power that comes from conquering whatever challenge the game puts in front of them.

ItzaBitza and ItzaZoo use Star Challenges

Not all games refer to an increase in skill as Experience Points. For example, in ItzaBitza and ItzaZoo your child earn stars for doing an activity asked of them within the Star Challenge text they read. Eventually they earn enough stars to unlock playsets. While some star challenges can be earned with little to no reading, the skill focused on during Star Challenges is reading comprehension. A very important skill for our children to have! As your child unlocks new levels, the star challenges get more difficult mostly in advancing the reading level. ItzaBitza and ItzaZoo include three reading levels that were defined by our reading specialist, Dr. Diana Sharp.

You Have 5,000 Reading Experience Points and a B in Reading

If we must have our report cards that separate the A’s from the C’s, we should also consider supplementing our formal learning with popular informal learning activities – like gaining Experience Points. Just one of the many things game designers naturally do that we should consider embracing in other skills besides shooting zombies and harvesting plants.