Lucinda Weaver and Alison Dymond, two passionate STEM and Computer Science Specialists at a large elementary school in Utah, have created an innovative way to encourage their students to use Skill Struck. By combining self-directed learning with individual student recognition, they’ve turned the challenge of limited lab time into an opportunity for increased engagement.

Faced with the demands of teaching both STEM rotations and computer science, Lucinda and Alison initially struggled to integrate Skill Struck into their regular schedule. However, their commitment to the platform and its potential for student growth drove them to find a solution. 

Their answer? Transforming self-paced Skill Struck activities into an exciting and rewarding adventure that students couldn’t resist!

Building a Culture of Achievement

Lucinda and Alison introduced a simple yet impactful reward program. The idea was straightforward – students who completed up to level 10 of the assigned Skill Struck lessons on their own time would become a “Skill Struck Master,” have their photo displayed on the wall, and earn a simple prize.

At first, participation was slow. But as soon as the first couple of students proudly saw their photos on the award wall, a wave of excitement swept through the school. The students’ newfound enthusiasm for computer science quickly outpaced the supply of prizes, prompting Lucinda and Alison to think outside the box. The two teachers began scouring their homes, gathering pens, pencils, stickers, bookmarks, and even lunchboxes to supplement the prize box. Lucinda and Alison also attended a local tech conference and collected items from booths to add more treasures to their collection. All for their students.

A Wall of Pride and Possibility

The result was an award wall bursting with pictures of smiling students. Each image represents not just a mastery of Skill Struck lessons but also a deeper engagement with computer science and a sense of accomplishment.

“It was a little slow taking off, but once they saw the first one or two students get their picture up on the wall, it took off on us,” Lucinda shared. The visible recognition of their efforts resonated with the students, motivating even more of them to participate.

This program’s success underscores a crucial point: often, students just need a little extra motivation. By offering visible acknowledgment and tangible rewards Lucinda and Alison have created an environment where students are proud to take ownership of their learning.

Creating a Lasting Impact

The Skill Struck Master Wall has become a beloved feature of Alison and Lucinda’s computer lab. Students strive to earn their place on it, and their peers cheer them on. Lucinda reflects on how this initiative has transformed her classroom dynamics, stating, “The students are so into this, our wall is getting covered! They want us to keep doing it every year! We’re loving the enthusiasm it has awakened.”

Lucinda and Alison are creating confident learners by celebrating students’ simple achievements. Their journey with Skill Struck is a reminder that with a bit of motivation and recognition, teachers can help students get excited about learning.

This success is more than a story of one school’s engagement with technology — it’s a blueprint any classroom can follow. Their work proves that when you take time to recognize students’ achievements, it can lead to increased participation.

As the award wall grows and the enthusiasm spreads, this program exemplifies what’s possible in every classroom, for every student. 

Learn more about Skill Struck’s K-5 computer science curriculum here.