I teach through gaming (What gaming has taught me).

I have the most rewarding job in the world. I teach.
I teach students of all levels, of all ages and of all backgrounds.
I believe that students are equalized and thrive on a leveled playing field once they come across a teacher who understands their differentiated needs.

A common foe in a Language Arts class is different reading skills, ranging from low, on target, to below proficiency.
When students aren't reading to the proper grade level, they haven't leveled up accordingly and then comes the grinding stages to get them at the right level to slay the boss (usually a hefty book that do not speak to their personal interests).
However, students don't always join guilds and parties to advance in their literary adventures.
It's usually the solo campaign and the dreaded game over screen if they can't overcome the small hurdles.

What can video games do to enhance, and or improve their reading skills, you ask?
We have long learned that comic books and other forms of literature do give students a sense of beginning, intermediate and advanced vocabulary.
Video games are, now more than ever, an acceptable medium to teach literature to students who fail to enjoy novels, poetry and the likes.

I have a student in Language Arts class. We will call him student B. Student B loves playing Pokemon and reading up on Pokemon.
Student B has a mental illness. Student B is on the far end of the autistic spectrum and has social/emotional issues.
It takes one small hurdle to throw off his day.
We used to bump heads at the beginning of the year as he'd just sit there and not accomplish anything. Teachers aren't glorified baby sitters. We have standards and goals to accomplish and we require all students to meet them.
I soon became aware of B's interest for gaming, especially Pokemon's RPG games. It wasn't long until I turned his assignments into a love letter to all things Pokemon.
His essays, his speeches, his small groups presentations, all represented standards and goals being met by changing one small thing. His inner motivation.

I currently have 20 students with IEP's and or 504's ( educational lingo for students who showcase learning disabilities)and I teach 150 students on a daily basis.
I am a proud gamer and I touch the heart of many by telling them what gaming has taught me. I enjoy the interaction with my students and hearing how much gaming have changed their views on literature and reading overall.

I am always on the look out for excellent games that include fantastic stories that I know my students, of all levels, will enjoy.
I am actively looking into creating a club at my school to promote literacy through different mediums with a focus on video games. While I am at the beginning stages, I am hoping to change the minds of some of my colleagues who deem gaming as a "waste of time."
I am thoroughly convinced that I am at the helm of a concept that could change the face of acceptable literature.
Capturing kids' hearts is my business and their personal success is my reward.
I am a stronger reader and a better educator due partly to gaming.
What has gaming taught you? (Leave your thoughts below).