Best posts made by Nawres Alabed

Why Make Video Games ?
Making video games is a fun way to learn. Games help students stay focused and enjoy the lesson. They also help students understand hard ideas better. Playing games can also improve skills like thinking carefully and solving problems. You can use games for many subjects and for students of all ages.

Introduction to Genially
"Genially" is an online tool that helps you make interactive and fun content. You don’t need to know how to code or program. People use Genially to create presentations, quizzes, and even video games. It is easy to use and has many ready-made templates, so teachers and students can make learning more interesting.

Instructions:
First, you need to sign up and log in to Genially. Then, you can pick a game template or start a new project. Add pictures, backgrounds, and characters to make your game look nice. Use b**tons and clickable parts to let players move through the game. You can add animations to make it exciting. Link the pages and actions so the game works well. Test your game to make sure it works. When you are happy with it, share the game with your students by sending a link or putting it on your website.

Important Features of Genially for Games
Genially has many tools to help you make games. You can add b**tons that players click. You can add animations and sounds to make the game fun. You can create different story paths based on what players choose. For more advanced games, you can add scores and keep track of player progress, but this takes more practice.

Remember
Keep your game simple so players don’t get confused. Use pictures and colors that match your topic. Add challenges and rewards to make players want to keep playing. Test your game many times to fix any mistakes. Ask your students what they think so you can make your game better.

Examples:
You can make many kinds of games with Genially. For example, quiz games where students answer questions. History or science games that tell a story. Games to help learn new words. Puzzle games that make students think and solve problems.

Hi everyone,
I hope you're doing well!
I wanted to ask if anyone is using AI tools to evaluate students’ writing or open-ended answers? I have more than 30 students, and I usually need to do corrections and consolidation the next day.
Is there a way to save time while still giving useful feedback?
Any tools or tips would be really appreciated!

Thanks in advance

Thank you for this clear and caring post. Many people don’t understand what dyslexia really is, and you explained it so well. I really like the tips you shared🩵especially using different ways to learn and giving more time to students who need it.

You're right: what matters most is believing in our students. When they feel supported and understood, they can do amazing things.

AI chatbots like ChatGPT are becoming popular tools for students and teachers alike. Teachers can use them to generate lesson ideas, create quizzes, and even provide personalized explanations. Students can get instant help with homework or writing.

But here’s the catch: some argue that relying on AI chatbots might encourage shortcuts and reduce critical thinking. Others believe they free up time for deeper learning and creativity.

Should teachers embrace AI chatbots as classroom assistants or be cautious about their impact on students’ independent learning skills? How can teachers balance using AI tools effectively while still promoting original thought?

Hello everyone!
My name is Nawres Alabed, and I’m a primary school teacher in Tunisia. What I love most about my job is creating a playful and engaging environment to make learning easier and more enjoyable for my students. I often use technology to design educational games that spark curiosity and motivation in the classroom. Building a warm, trusting, and positive relationship with my students is one of my top priorities.
In my free time, I enjoy reading fantasy books , I see them as a gateway to new and exciting worlds waiting to be explored.

This year, I’ve started integrating AI tools into my French, history, and music lessons with young learners ... and the results have been truly exciting.

With the help of AI, my students have been:

Writing creative short stories in French with AI support

Exploring historical events through interactive timelines and virtual Q&A

Composing simple melodies using music tools

Engaging in role-play conversations to practice vocabulary and pronunciation

What I’ve discovered is that AI can make learning more engaging and personal, especially for students who need a little extra support or inspiration. It allows me to adapt content to their pace and interests, while still keeping the heart of my teaching alive.

AI isn’t about replacing the teacher , it’s about extending our reach, fueling curiosity, and giving students new ways to connect with language, culture, and creativity.
What do you think??

I/ Breaking the History Barrier: Why Students Struggle ?
Many students find history hard to enjoy. They often feel like they have to just memorize names, dates, and events. But history is really about stories,real stories about people, their lives, and the world they helped shape. The problem is, traditional lessons don’t always show this. Students today grow up with video games, apps, and fast-moving media. So sitting still and reading from a textbook doesn’t always work. That’s why we need to find new ways to make history feel real and exciting again.

II/ New approach: Gamification
Gamification means adding game elements to learning. That could be points, challenges, rewards, or even just making the lesson feel like a story or a mission. In a gamified history lesson, students don’t just read about a battle, they become part of it. They make choices, explore events, and sometimes even play the role of a historical character. It’s like learning by doing, but in a fun and safe way.

III/ Why Games Can Help Us Learn History Better
Games bring history to life. They help students see not just what happened, but why it happened. When students play through events, they begin to think like historians: asking questions, making decisions, and thinking about different points of view. Games also make students more active in class. They get curious. They want to know more. And most importantly, they start to care about the people and the events they are learning about.

IV/ Gamification's impact on Students
When learning feels like a game, students get more involved. They are no longer afraid of making mistakes ,they just try again, like in any game. This builds confidence. They also work better in groups, helping each other solve problems or complete missions. Many students who don’t usually speak in class become more active during games. And because they enjoy the process, they remember more of what they learned. In short, gamification helps make learning fun, meaningful, and memorable.

V/Conclusion
History is not just something from the past, it’s full of lessons for today. When we use games to teach history, we help students feel closer to it. They don’t just learn ,they experience, explore, and understand. And that’s the kind of learning that stays with them for life.

Today I come back with two new discoveries️️
I feel really inspired by these two beautiful projects by fellow educators

“Numbers at Work” by @ateeque-soomro turning math into real-life adventures that build teamwork and leadership. Love the idea of learning across grades!

“Explore, Play, Learn” by @Faiza4288c7d8b7 using games to grow vocabulary in such a fun, meaningful way. A great reminder that play is powerful.

Proud to be part of a community where learning is reimagined every day

What if your classroom had no walls?
With digital tools, kids can explore the world, connect with others, and create like never before.
Learning doesn’t have to stay stuck in textbooks ... it can be an adventure.
Where would you take your students if anything was possible?

Yes that's true I do that sometimes and it saves me lot of time
Also helps to design activities appropriate to every group potential and errors to consolidate

Many schools struggle to integrate life skills education effectively due to limited time, lack of trained teachers, and a curriculum focused mainly on academics. This makes it challenging to give students the practical knowledge they need to navigate real-life situations confidently.
What do you think schools can do to overcome these challenges and better prepare students for life?

Lately, I’ve been feeling the stress levels rising in my classroom for the students and for me. Whether it's pressure from lessons, the heat, tired minds, or just that mid-term burnout, it's starting to show.
Some kids are more anxious, others more restless. And I’ve caught myself tensing up too, even when I try to stay calm and positive.

So I’m reaching out to you all:
How do you handle stress in the classroom?

My Students Can’t Focus… I Need Your Help!
I'm a non-native English teacher, and this is my daily challenge.

Many of my students lose focus after just a few minutes.
Some are tired, some bored, some distracted.
I try my best, but it’s hard.

Why is this happening?
Too much screen time
Lessons too hard or too easy
Noisy or boring classroom

I’ve tried some changes:
️ More games and group work
️ Short brain breaks
️ Using Kahoot, Genially, and videos
️ Changing my teaching style

But I still need new ideas.

Teachers, educators, friends…
🩵 How do you help your students stay focused?
🩵 What works in your classroom?

Please share your tips in the comments.
Let’s help each other.

1- The Origins of the Project

The idea for the "Battle of Emperors" project emerged from a clear need I observed in my classroom: many students found it difficult to engage with traditional history lessons. Subjects like the founding of Carthage and the Punic Wars, although rich in content, often failed to capture their attention due to the abstract nature of the material and the heavy reliance on rote memorization. I wanted to break away from this passive approach and create a more dynamic learning environment that aligns with the needs and interests of 21st-century learners. The project was born from a desire to transform history into a living, interactive experience that would stimulate curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.

2- Why I Chose This Project

I chose to develop "Battle of Emperors" because I believe that learning is most effective when students are emotionally and intellectually invested. By turning history into a strategy-based video game, I aimed to give students a chance to step into the roles of historical figures, make decisions, and explore the consequences of those decisions in a safe and educational setting. This method not only promotes active engagement but also allows for deeper understanding and retention of historical events. The project reflects my personal teaching philosophy: that education should be a journey of exploration, where students become protagonists in their own learning process.

3-The Importance of the Project

The importance of this project lies in its ability to reimagine the teaching of history through gamification. It makes abstract concepts more tangible and accessible, especially for students who struggle with conventional methods. The game fosters critical thinking by requiring players to evaluate situations, solve problems, and engage in strategic planning. At the same time, it enhances digital literacy by introducing students to educational technology in an intuitive and meaningful way. By embedding educational content within a narrative-driven game, "Battle of Emperors" transforms the classroom into a space of discovery and innovation.

4-How It Helps Students

Ultimately, this project helps students in multiple ways. It boosts motivation and classroom participation by making learning enjoyable and immersive. It strengthens memory retention through active involvement and emotional connection with the content. It also encourages collaboration, as students often play in teams or help each other solve challenges within the game. Most importantly, it builds learners’ confidence by allowing them to succeed through exploration and experimentation. In this way, "Battle of Emperors" not only teaches historyit empowers young learners to become active thinkers and problem-solvers, fully engaged in their educational journey.

You're absolutely right. While co-curricular activities are essential for holistic development, balance is key. Giving the same students repeated opportunities can unintentionally sideline others who also need a chance to grow, explore, and build confidence. Rotating responsibilities ensures inclusivity, fairness, and encourages every student to discover their potential.

Beyond academics, schools are increasingly focusing on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) teaching students skills like empathy, self-awareness, and emotional regulation. SEL helps young people build healthier relationships, manage stress, and make responsible decisions.

With rising mental health challenges and social pressures, SEL is becoming essential to prepare students not just to succeed in school, but to thrive in life. Schools that invest in SEL create supportive environments where students feel safe, understood, and motivated.

How important do you think social-emotional skills are compared to traditional academic skills? Share your thoughts!

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what we really want our students to take away from school. Of course, we want them to learn how to read, write, and solve problems. But beyond that, don’t we also want them to grow into kind, confident, and emotionally strong human beings?

That’s where emotional intelligence️ comes in. It’s the ability to understand and manage your emotions, relate to others, and handle life’s ups and downs. And honestly, it’s just as important as any academic subject.

Imagine if kids were taught how to calm themselves when they’re frustrated, how to really listen to others, how to stand up for themselves respectfully, or how to bounce back after failure. These are life skills ....and yet, they’re often left out of the classroom.

I believe it’s time we start weaving emotional learning into our lessons, even in simple ways ... through stories, group projects, daily check-ins, or just by modeling it ourselves.

Because at the end of the day, success isn’t just about high scores. It’s about being able to thrive in a world that’s not always easy.

What do you think? Should emotional intelligence be part of our school curriculum?

As a teacher, I’ve watched something shift over the past few years. Once, I could hand a book to a student and see their imagination light up. Now? Many hesitate. Some roll their eyes. Others say, “I don’t read.”

It’s not that they can’t read. It’s that they no longer see reading as something meaningful for them.
And that breaks my heart a little.
Any solutions????

Hello Dear Colleague,
Thank you for sharing this important message. I agree that Universal Design for Learning is a strong way to support all students. When we give different ways to learn and show knowledge, we make learning more fair and open. It helps every student feel included and succeed.

Thank you for this great post! As a teacher, I agree with everything you said.
Our role has really changed. We are not just giving lessons anymore , we are helping students learn in their own way.
I also try to make my classroom more student-centered. I ask open questions, use group work, and bring in technology like Kahoot and Padlet. It really helps students think more and work together.
Being a guide is not always easy, but it's very rewarding. When students take charge of their learning, they grow so much. Thanks again for sharing these helpful ideas!