elementary gaming concepts
Game Concepts by PlayVS for Elementary School introduces students to gaming in a fun, safe, and educational environment. Courses focus on teamwork, digital safety, and creativity, using age-appropriate games to build confidence, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
What is Gaming Concepts?
Gaming Concepts is a curriculum platform designed to engage students by leveraging their interest in gaming, covering topics from basic computer skills and digital citizenship to teamwork, problem-solving, and even mental wellness.
650K+
activities completed
100+
Days of available lessons
30+
participating states
Available Courses
Applied Technology - 5th Grade
Applied Technology - 5th Grade
This course empowers students to apply their growing technology skills through hands-on experiences in game design, coding, AI, digital media, and data analytics. It nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and responsible digital citizenship, preparing students to be innovative, ethical, and confident participants in a tech-driven world.
- Michael Russell, EdD
- Kristy Custer, EdD
- Heidi Albin
- Alex Hirbe
- Connie Russell
Synopsis
The fifth grade Applied Technology course invites students to apply technology skills in meaningful, creative, and collaborative ways. Through game design, coding, artificial intelligence, digital media, and esports analytics, students strengthen their digital literacy, practice emotional regulation, and develop responsible digital citizenship. Lessons are designed to support English Language Learners (ELLs) with accessible vocabulary, scaffolds, and opportunities to practice communication across multiple modes. By the end of the course, students see themselves not only as technology users but also as innovators, problem-solvers, and future-ready learners prepared to navigate an increasingly digital world.
Grade Level: 5
Length: Forty-five 45-minute lessons
Prerequisites: None
Technology Skills - 4th Grade
Technology Skills - 4th Grade
This course deepens students’ digital literacy, emotional intelligence, and collaboration skills through technology and esports-based learning. It integrates creativity, ethical tech use, and career exploration—aligned to national standards—to help students develop as responsible, critical, and confident digital citizens.
- Michael Russell, EdD
- Kristy Custer, EdD
- Heidi Albin
- Alex Hirbe
- Connie Russell
Synopsis
The fourth grade Gaming Concepts: Technology Skills builds on the foundations from 3rd grade and prepares students for applied technology in 5th grade. Fourth-grade students deepen their digital literacy, expand collaboration skills, and connect technology use to both real-world careers and emotional well-being. They learn to communicate across cultures and languages, reflecting the needs of English Language Learners, while exploring responsible digital citizenship. The course blends practical technology skills with esports-related contexts, helping students see themselves as capable digital learners and future professionals. Aligned to CSTA, ISTE, CASEL, and PERMA frameworks, the curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, respectful communication, and creativity while developing healthy digital habits.
Grade Level: 4
Length: Forty-five 45-minute lessons
Prerequisites: None
Intro to Technology - 3rd Grade
Intro to Technology - 3rd Grade
Introduce young learners to the world of computing with an engaging, hands-on course covering digital safety, coding, game design, and the real-world impact of technology—building essential problem-solving and digital literacy skills through interactive lessons and projects.
- Michael Russell, EdD
- Kristy Custer, EdD
- Heidi Albin
- Alex Hirbe
- Connie Russell
Synopsis
Gaming Concepts: Intro to Technology introduces third-grade students to essential computing concepts, focusing on digital safety, coding, game design, and the societal impact of technology. Students learn to protect their digital identity, practice cybersecurity measures, and recognize responsible online behaviors. Through hands-on activities, they explore software types, program decision-making processes, and use block-based coding to create simple games. Collaboration, debugging, and refining algorithms help develop problem-solving skills. Students also examine game mechanics, adaptive technology, and AI’s role in gaming. By discussing emerging technologies and their impact on society, students connect computing to real-world applications, fostering critical thinking and digital literacy.
Grade Level: 3
Length: Over forty-five 40 minute lessons
Prerequisites: None
“Gaming Concepts has provided students with compelling opportunities in both STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and 21st century skills that have transformed the way students look at school. Using the lens of gaming, many students have now found their place in scholastic esports, and have developed a sense of community in a school environment.”
Oliver HernandezFRESNO, CA
Request Information
Please fill out our contact form to get access to our free resources and to schedule a call with our Gaming Concepts team.