Bringing inclusive play to every classroom

In almost any classroom, children arrive with different needs, different energy and different levels of confidence. Teachers rarely get extra time to set up new tools, so the ones that help most are simple, flexible and welcoming. Here is how browser-based, movement-led games can fit in.

A few ideas from inclusive design

A widely used framework called Universal Design for Learning (UDL) suggests giving learners more than one way to engage, to take in information and to show what they know. Movement-based games add one more option: a child who finds writing or sitting still hard can still take part, and succeed, using their hands and arms.

Why a browser makes it easier

• Nothing to install. byondthewords runs in the web browser, so there is no software to put on school devices.
• Everyday hardware. A laptop or computer with a webcam and an up-to-date browser is enough.
• Quick to start. Open the page, log in, allow the camera and pick a game.

Getting started: five steps

1. Check the basics. Test one device first: is the webcam working, is the browser up to date, is there decent light?
2. Talk to your IT team. Some schools restrict camera access or particular websites. It’s better to find out before the lesson than during it.
3. Tell families. The games use the camera to follow hands. Let parents and guardians know, and follow your school’s rules on consent.
4. Keep turns short. Five to ten minutes each works well for stations or rotations, so everyone gets a go.
5. Match the game to the goal. For example, Trace & Trail for letter shapes, Clock Quest for telling the time and Feelings Forest for talking about emotions.

Making it work for every child

• Let children choose how they play. Seated or standing, big movements or small: whichever is comfortable.
• Offer a quieter option. Some of the games have a sound switch, and you can always turn the device volume down for children who are sensitive to noise.
• Avoid public score comparisons. Celebrate effort and progress rather than ranking children against each other.
• Pair up. Taking turns and cheering each other on turns a solo activity into a shared one.
• Follow the child’s lead. If a child is tired or overwhelmed, stop and try again another day.

Privacy and photos: what teachers should know

When a player reaches a top score, a game can take a single photo and save it privately to that player’s account. The camera video itself isn’t recorded or stored. If you use byondthewords with pupils, tell families about this feature and check your school’s policy on photographs of children. Our Privacy Policy has the details.

We’d like to hear from you

We want to know what works in your classroom, and what doesn’t. If you’re a teacher, therapist or school leader, share your experience through our Contact page. It shapes what we build next.

For schools and clinics

If you’re thinking about using byondthewords with a class or a clinic, we offer custom pricing for schools and clinics. Get in touch and tell us roughly how many children you support, or see our plans.