Level Up Learning: Bringing Tabletop Strategy into the Classroom

I recently had the opportunity to attend the Level Up Learning: The Tabletop Strategy conference through REMC 13 and 517 EdTech—and it truly lived up to its name. This experience pushed my thinking about what meaningful, engaging learning can look like and how something as simple as a game can transform the classroom environment.

But… Why Tabletop Games?

At first glance, it might seem like games are just for fun—but that’s exactly the point. When students are having fun, they’re more engaged, more motivated, and more willing to take risks in their learning. And really… who doesn’t like winning a game?

What I learned is that tabletop games create authentic, low-stakes opportunities for students to practice important skills without the pressure of traditional assessments. These environments allow students to try, fail, adjust, and try again—building confidence along the way.

Skills Beyond the Game

One of the biggest takeaways from this conference was how powerful gameplay structures are in developing transferable skills. These aren’t just “game skills”—they’re life skills.

Through tabletop strategy, students naturally practice:

• Critical thinking – planning moves, predicting outcomes, problem-solving

• Collaboration – working with teammates, communicating ideas, negotiating

• Executive functioning – managing turns, following rules, staying organized

• Impulse control – thinking before acting, especially in competitive moments

These are the kinds of skills that carry far beyond the classroom and into everyday life.

Creating a High-Engagement Learning Environment

An effective gameplay environment isn’t chaotic—it’s intentional. I learned how structured gameplay can actually increase student focus and participation. When students are invested, attendance improves, behaviors decrease, and learning becomes something they look forward to.

Tabletop strategies also support a variety of learners. Whether students need more movement, social interaction, or hands-on experiences, games provide an inclusive entry point for everyone.

How I Plan to Implement This

I’m excited to start bringing these ideas into my second grade classroom in meaningful ways:

• Incorporating academic games into math and literacy centers to reinforce skills in a fun, low-pressure way

• Building classroom community through collaborative games that encourage teamwork and positive peer interactions

• Teaching and modeling game behaviors like turn-taking, good sportsmanship, and reflection after gameplay

• Connecting games to real-world thinking by having students discuss strategies, outcomes, and what they would do differently next time

Final Thoughts

This conference reminded me that learning doesn’t always have to look traditional to be effective. Sometimes, the most powerful learning happens when students don’t even realize how much they’re growing—because they’re too busy playing, thinking, and connecting.

Leveling up learning isn’t about adding more—it’s about being intentional with what already works. And sometimes, that starts with rolling the dice.