Sometimes I’m a bit reluctant to try new things in my teaching practice, because sometimes the negatives can often outweigh the positives. This is especially true back in middle school when it would often lead to quite chaotic classrooms.
That being said, I felt quietly competent today as my WW1 Trench Warfare Simulation was a massive success. I split the classroom onto 2 sides (The Allies & Central Powers), creating a buffer in the middle as “No Man’s Land”. After a captain was chosen on both sides, students would attempt to cross No Man’s Land to tag/kill somebody on the opposing team. Simultaneously, the opposing team would fire machine gun bullets at the people crossing (in the form of paper balls). What ultimately came about was an exciting simulation that brought out energy in all classes.
My more energetic classes enjoyed the simulation the most, giving them the opportunity to throw paper balls at the opposing side as they crossed. My quietest class still did the activity, albeit it was a bit less enjoyable, but still stimulating.
In the end I’m grateful I have the experience needed to try such wild simulations, and hope to attempt more out-of-the-box ideas in the future.
