I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I love escape rooms! Especially in elementary. 

Have you ever noticed how students light up when faced with a challenge that feels like a game? Escape rooms have taken the world by storm, and they are quickly becoming a favorite tool in many classrooms. And honestly, what’s not to love?! 

Not only do they bring excitement into learning, but they also offer unique opportunities for students to collaborate, problem-solve, and think critically—all while having a blast!

If you’re considering using escape rooms for kids or escape rooms for elementary, you’re in the right place. 

Here are three key benefits of using escape rooms in elementary classrooms:

1. Encourages Collaboration and Teamwork

Escape rooms naturally require students to work together. Whether they’re decoding a puzzle or solving a riddle, every child brings something to the table. This collaboration helps students develop communication and leadership skills, while also learning the value of teamwork.

2. Builds Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

The puzzles in escape rooms aren’t just for fun—they’re designed to challenge students’ thinking. Whether it’s deciphering clues or connecting pieces of information, students use logic and reasoning to tackle the tasks. These problem-solving opportunities foster critical thinking skills, which are essential across all subject areas.

3. Creates an Engaging, Memorable Learning Experience

Escape rooms transform the classroom into an adventure! When students are fully engaged, they’re more likely to retain information and develop a positive attitude toward learning. The excitement and immersion of an escape room activity make it an experience students will remember—and talk about—for a long time.

If you’re ready to bring the magic of escape rooms to your classroom, check out my three favorite escape room resources designed specifically for elementary students! These resources are easy to implement, packed with engaging activities, and sure to make learning unforgettable!

Escape Room ELA Mystery – Sight Words

Are you ready to be the most memorable teacher of a child’s life? Use these step-by-step instructions to guarantee student engagement while they learn about sight words to solve a classroom mystery. With little prep, your students will work as a team to break into a box, which breaks them out of the classroom as they beat the clock!

What’s inside this download?

There are two files. One is a PDF file with step-by-step instructions, a link to incorporate a video to hook your students into the mystery, and 3 pre-made clues for your class to solve. The other file is an editable PowerPoint to make it easy for you to add your own team names to personalize the experience and allow the students to take ownership of the lesson. You can also change the mystery letters to create your own sight words, sentences, and riddles.

Extra: New Mystery Decoder sheets added, so you can play again without the kids knowing what to expect!

Dinosaur-Themed Sight Words Escape Room 

Looking for a fun way to reinforce sight words, blends, and problem-solving skills? My Dinosaur Escape Room resource is perfect for a classroom activity or even a family literacy night. In this engaging adventure, students will solve three clues to help a paleontologist find a missing baby dinosaur. Along the way, they’ll decode sight words, solve riddles, and open a box filled with surprises to “escape” the room—no locks or fancy materials needed!

This resource includes an editable PowerPoint so you can personalize the activity for your students. Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll find:

• Detailed directions (with background music link) and a materials checklist to ensure easy setup
• Differentiated sight word clues and a mystery sight word decoder to challenge your students
• Engaging dinosaur-themed posters, riddles, and clue cards to enhance the experience
• Fun extras like homework passes, certificates, and literacy night invites to make the event even more special

Escape Room Math Mystery Numbers 1-10

With my Troll-Themed Escape Room, your students will embark on a thrilling adventure where they’ll learn about numbers 1-10 while solving classroom mysteries. Using step-by-step instructions, you’ll guarantee student engagement as they work together to break into a box—and break out of the classroom—all while beating the clock!

This resource is designed to make learning fun and easy to implement with minimal prep. Here’s what’s inside:

• A 25-page PDF with detailed, step-by-step instructions
• A link to a short YouTube video that hooks your students with a mystery about mischievous trolls capturing their classroom
• Printables featuring number-based mysteries, including missing number line-ups, color-coded mystery pictures, and small number searches using magnifying glasses
• Three engaging clues that lead to an exciting final challenge: breaking into a box to “escape” the classroom!

Materials needed are simple: 2 magnifying glasses, scissors, plastic bags, crayons, and any box you have on hand.

Looking for more escape room fun? Check out my post here all about holiday escape rooms!