From Zero to Esports Hero: Lessons Learned Launching an Elementary Esports Program

Outline

Content

Introduction (5 minutes)
-Overview of the esports club journey and its focus on SEL, teamwork, and inclusivity.

The Importance of Esports in Education (10 minutes)
-Discuss the benefits of esports for social-emotional learning, teamwork, and student development.

Steps to Launching an Esports Club (15 minutes)
-Practical steps for establishing an esports club, including resources, alignment with educational goals, and planning.

Creating an Inclusive and Collaborative Environment (10 minutes)
-Strategies for fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment that prioritizes communication and inclusivity.

Integrating SEL and Health Needs (10 minutes)
-How to integrate social-emotional learning, emotional regulation, and health practices into an esports program.

Actionable Strategies and Resources (5 minutes)
-Share practical tools and resources that attendees can use to start their own esports clubs.

Q&A and Wrap-Up (5 minutes)
-Open the floor for questions, discussion, and final reflections from participants.

Throughout the session, I will engage participants through a range of interactive strategies designed to enhance both learning and involvement. The session will begin with an icebreaker, where attendees will share their vision for an esports club in one word, fostering immediate connection and engagement. Tools like Mentimeter or Poll Everywhere will be utilized to capture audience opinions on the educational value of esports, ensuring the session remains dynamic and interactive. Turn-and-talk discussions will encourage participants to brainstorm resources and strategies for starting their own clubs. To highlight the importance of social-emotional learning, I will lead the group through a brief mindfulness exercise and physical activity that can be seamlessly integrated into esports programs. Participants will also be provided with a digital resource link for further exploration, promoting reflection on key insights. The session will conclude with a quick exit survey to gather feedback and guide participants in identifying their next steps.

Supporting research

Social-Emotional Development
Research by the University of California, Irvine (UCI) has shown that scholastic esports programs yield positive gains in social-emotional development for high school students: https://www.nasef.org/blog/research-documents-benefits-of-nasef-scholastic-esports

A study from the University of Riverside found significant improvements in math skills among esports participants: https://www.mvusd.net/engage/news/news-details/~board/news/post/leveling-up-student-success-how-moreno-valley-unifieds-scholastic-esports-is-changing-the-game

PlayVS Study Shows the Positive Impact of Esports on Students’ Mental Health
https://www.playvs.com/news/mental-health-24

Aviles, Chris et al. The Esports Education Playbook: Empowering Every Learner Through Inclusive Gaming. Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc. 2020

https://www.nasef.org/