Escape Room Activities in the Classroom to Boost Student Engagement

Welcome, educators!

I’m thrilled to introduce this week’s guest blogger, Mr. Dan Dreher, a passionate special education teacher from southern New Jersey. I recently connected with Dan on Twitter and was immediately inspired by the creative, hands-on lessons he brings to his classroom. His approach to teaching through classroom escape room activities is not only engaging but also deeply effective in building critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills.

In this post, Dan shares how he uses escape room-style learning to transform his classroom into an exciting, student-centered environment.

Why Escape Rooms Work in the Classroom

Classroom escape rooms have become a popular form of entertainment, but their educational potential is just as powerful. These activities challenge students to solve puzzles, think critically, and work together under pressure—all while reinforcing academic content.

Dan first encountered the idea at TeachMeetNJ, where educator Jay Eitner introduced the concept of classroom escape rooms. Since then, Dan has used them to reinforce content in a way that’s fun, memorable, and meaningful.

“The roles and dynamics of high school students shift dramatically during these activities. Timid students become leaders, and class clowns turn into focused team players.”

Classroom Escape Room Activities

Dan describes how classroom escape room activities allow students to thrive by tapping into multiple intelligences. One example he shares involves a riddle written in Latin on the back of The Last Supper, requiring students to translate, research, and unlock a code. These puzzles not only reinforce subject matter but also promote higher-order thinking.

After each activity, Dan leads a debrief discussion to reflect on group dynamics, leadership, and problem-solving strategies. These conversations are just as valuable as the activity itself.

Getting Started with Classroom Escape Rooms

Worried about cost? Don’t be. Dan recommends two approaches:

• Breakout EDU Kits: These include boxes, locks, UV lights, and access to a library of pre-made games by grade level and subject.

• DIY or Paper-Based Escape Rooms: Budget-friendly and flexible, these can be done with or without technology.

Whether you invest in a kit or create your own, the key is to focus on collaboration, creativity, and content reinforcement.

Final Thoughts from Dan Dreher

“Escape room activities have been fun, rewarding, and effective. Students are always asking when we’ll do it again—and that’s when you know it’s working.”

Dan Dreher is a high school special education teacher in southern New Jersey, specializing in history and reading. He's currently in his fourth year teaching. He earned his master’s degree at Stockton University in Special Education with a Reading Specialist certification.

Outside of the classroom, he is an assistant coach for the Girls Swim Team and an advisor for the Video Game Club. You can follow him on Twitter (@Mr_Dreher)

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