I started playing Minecraft a few weeks ago and realized that I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. Here’s what I knew: I can build amazing things, and–crap a monster got me! Once I understood the game more and recognized what amazing constructions could be forged, I started seeing Minecraft as a teaching tool. I realized that minecraft is about being rewarded for hard work–and occasionally slaying beasts.
This morning I set about building a massive underwater city. This sort of thing happens in phases, so I am starting the first phase of the process by creating a staging area and trying to understand how to build an airlock. I am learning about the physics of the game and working towards a self directed goal. Likewise, I am showing my kids how to set their own goals and develop a plan to get there. We are learning important life tools and learning how to be rewarded for their hard work all through playing a simple block-based video game. The next step will be to transfer that knowledge to a real life experience. We will take that step this summer when we build a playhouse together.