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After more than a decade of inspiring adventures and connection, SelfDesign’s beloved Minecraft Chat & Play Group is coming to a close. Led with heart by Lori, Michael and Valerie, this program has given learners a safe and imaginative space to play, collaborate and grow. As they move on to new endeavours, we’ll ensure that the spirit of Minecraft learning will live on through a range of dynamic Minecraft Education activities available on HomeLearners Network (HLN)!

How Minecraft’s virtual worlds create real learning opportunities

Lori and Michael Bender brought the idea of using Minecraft for learning to SelfDesign after playing together with their family. Lori, who also works with SelfDesign® Home Learning, says, “The first time we played Minecraft as a family in 2010, we were up until three in the morning just laughing and creating. My son actually suggested it would be a great way for SelfDesign learners to connect and play together online.”

More than just creating connection and community, Minecraft offered an incredible opportunity to learn communication, collaboration and digital citizenship. “It was our desire to encourage parents and children to learn online—to learn how to be patient with each other, share resources, communicate, and help each other out,” says Lori.

For Michael, a BC-certified educator and SelfDesign Learning Specialist, Minecraft played a key role in connecting SelfDesign’s international learners with learners in Canada. He says, “It just didn’t matter where you were physically; you could sign in and chat, type and play with other kids. There were so many language skills going on there. Communication was slow but novel and fun.”

How Minecraft facilitates learning for diverse learners

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For those who have never seen Minecraft in action, it’s not just a game; it’s a powerful tool that transforms how children tackle complex concepts. There are various ways to engage with the game, including building structures and towns, venturing through scary places filled with virtual villains, gardening and growing food, and more.

“It makes it a great game for kids with varying interests,” says Michael, who loved it when his learners would rescue him from perilous situations with Minecraft’s undead creatures. “There’s a dragon to defeat, a creepy underworld place, and so much more. Minecraft is a game of building, crafting and adventuring!”

“We had children with all sorts of abilities that wanted to share,” says Lori, who loved seeing learners lead the charge in the building aspect of the game. “We made a colosseum, a museum, libraries filled with books, a Viking village, a medieval village and more! The server acted as a safe school space.”

Valerie, who works on SelfDesign’s finance team, volunteered with the Minecraft program and played a crucial role in making it a memorable experience. “The kids loved her, and she has a unique perspective on inclusive learning. She supported us in understanding how we could work with learning abilities we weren’t familiar with,” says Lori.

New adventures await with HLN’s Minecraft Education!

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Lori, Michael and Valerie leave behind a strong foundation—a legacy of inclusive, imaginative learning that will continue to inspire the next generation of Minecraft learners.

“I want to say how much I loved my time in the Minecraft program and how much I appreciated the parents’ support,” says Lori. “We came into the Minecraft program wanting to help kids learn online together, and I think we accomplished that goal. I’m so grateful.”

“When we started, there weren’t a lot of online groups going on at SelfDesign. Now, there are all kinds of online opportunities, and the kids have so many cool options. We’re excited to see programs like HLN flourish,” says Michael, who adds that he’s excited to meet his Minecraft community as they enter their high school years and join his Grade 10 to 12 themes!

We’re incredibly proud of what this program has accomplished, and we’re excited to see that same spirit of exploration and creativity continue through HLN’s Minecraft Education activities.

Check out these upcoming Minecraft Education activities!

HLN’s specialized focus on interactive home learning activities means your young builders, creators and problem-solvers will have access to cutting-edge educational opportunities alongside BC-certified educators.

Check out all of HLN’s activities here!