How to Build an Escape Room: Where to Get Your Idea
This is the part where things start to get really exciting for your class! By now, students have probably been buzzing with ideas about what the theme could be. It’s time to tap into all that energy with what I call an “Idea Dump Day.”
Here’s how it works: it’s a no-pressure brainstorming session where every idea—big or small—gets its moment. I like to have one student act as the scribe, writing down ideas on a board everyone can see. Before we start, though, I set a few ground rules:
- Keep Ideas School-Appropriate
This includes themes and scenarios that align with the values and standards of our school. - Practice Empathy
I remind students to consider ideas that are fun and engaging without triggering sensitive experiences for anyone.
And here’s the best part: no one can say “no” to an idea right now. If it’s appropriate, it goes up on the board. I encourage students to let their creativity loose, jotting down every theme that comes to mind. This process might take a day or two, but it’s worth it. By the end, we usually have an entire board filled with possibilities—easily over 50 ideas.