There is a lot more value to be found in video games than what is traditionally considered educational. Video games can do more than just build one's literacy; it can teach mechanics, problem-solving, rules, narrative speaking, and even foster relationships with others. This book offers an in depth look at what an entire English Language Arts unit focused on video games in the classroom can look like. Included is a full 30 day unit utilizing the video games "What Remains of Edith Finch" & "Gone Home" as central texts. Students will be tasked to play both games and identify and analyze the many literary elements and rhetorical devices found across both games. A full unit plan and 30 individual lesson descriptions act as your teaching guide. Also included is a debrief of how each lesson went with my own students with student completed handouts attached. When I first decided to pursue a career in education, my close friends joked that I would be the teacher who watched movies and played video games with his students. I always knew in the back of my mind that both of those activities, especially video games, could be a real asset. My hope in writing this book is that you and other educators will be both inspired and prepared to teach with video games in your own classroom.

Cognitive Development in a Digital Age James Paul Gee begins his classic book with "I want to talk about video games–yes, even violent video games–and say some positive things about them." With this simple but explosive statement, one of America's most well-respected educators looks seriously at the good that can come from playing video games. This revised edition expands beyond mere gaming, introducing readers to fresh perspectives based on games like World of Warcraft and Half-Life 2. It delves deeper into cognitive development, discussing how video games can shape our understanding of the world. An undisputed must-read for those interested in the intersection of education, technology, and pop culture, What Video Games Have to Teach Us About Learning and Literacy challenges traditional norms, examines the educational potential of video games, and opens up a discussion on the far-reaching impacts of this ubiquitous aspect of modern life.

A gorgeous picture book that tells a whimsical origin story of the phases of the moon, from award-winning, bestselling author-illustrator Grace Lin Pat, pat, pat... Little Star's soft feet tiptoed to the Big Mooncake. Little Star loves the delicious Mooncake that she bakes with her mama. But she's not supposed to eat any yet! What happens when she can't resist a nibble? In this stunning picture book that shines as bright as the stars in the sky, Newbery Honor author Grace Lin creates a heartwarming original story that explains phases of the moon.