Adam A. Phyall III, Ed.D.
Director of Professional Learning and Leadership
As the new school year kicks off, classrooms buzz with energy, and students are eager to dive into new subjects, reconnect with friends, and embark on fresh learning adventures. But in today’s education landscape, it’s not just about mastering traditional subjects—students also need to develop strong digital skills and a deep understanding of how to navigate the online world safely and responsibly. That’s where The Achievery comes in—a powerful, all-in-one resource that offers engaging, curriculum-aligned content across a wide range of subjects, empowering students to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
What is The Achievery?
The Achievery is an innovative platform designed by AT&T, in collaboration with leading educational organizations, to enhance learning in all content areas, from technology & engineering, and language arts to social emotional learning and beyond. It’s packed with lessons and activities that are not only educational but also interactive and fun, making it easier than ever to keep students engaged.
Beyond its broad academic offerings, The Achievery shines in teaching critical digital literacy and cybersecurity skills. Whether your students are learning to create strong passwords, recognize phishing scams, or understand the importance of online privacy, The Achievery provides age-appropriate content that turns these essential lessons into exciting adventures. It’s like giving students a digital toolkit to protect themselves and others in the online world—a must-have in today’s increasingly connected classrooms.
Bringing Learning to Life Across All Subjects
What makes The Achievery stand out is its versatility. The platform isn’t limited to just one area of study—it’s a treasure trove of resources that supports a wide range of subjects. Here’s how The Achievery can enhance your classroom across various content areas:
STEM
Dive into hands-on activities that make complex math and science concepts accessible and engaging. From coding basics to engineering challenges, The Achievery brings STEM to life with lessons that are both fun and informative.
Language Arts
Enhance reading and writing skills with interactive storytelling, vocabulary games, and creative writing prompts. The Achievery’s language arts resources help students develop strong communication skills while exploring their imaginations.
Arts and Humanities
Encourage creativity and self-expression with resources that explore art, music, and literature. Students can create their own digital art, analyze literary themes, or explore the intersection of technology and creativity.
Health and Wellness
Promote well-being with lessons on mental health, physical fitness, and nutrition. The Achievery’s resources help students understand the importance of taking care of their bodies and minds, both online and offline.
Making Cybersecurity Fun and Accessible
One of the standout features of The Achievery is its ability to transform complex topics like cybersecurity into something relatable and enjoyable for students of all ages. By using games, videos, and interactive activities, The Achievery helps students understand the importance of protecting their digital footprints in a way that’s both memorable and impactful.
For example, students can embark on a mission to create the ultimate strong password, learning about the importance of complexity and uniqueness through engaging scenarios. Or they might play “Privacy Pirates,” a game that teaches them how to manage their online privacy by making smart choices about what information to share. These activities don’t just teach concepts—they reinforce them by allowing students to practice what they’ve learned in a safe, supportive environment.
Integrating The Achievery into Your Classroom
As educators, we’re always looking for resources that enhance our curriculum and resonate with our students. The Achievery is incredibly versatile, making it easy to integrate into various subjects and learning objectives. Whether you’re focusing on digital citizenship, online safety, or broader academic goals, The Achievery’s lessons can be seamlessly woven into your classroom routine.
Here are a few ideas for incorporating The Achievery into your back-to-school plans:
- Kick Off with Digital Citizenship: Start the school year by setting the tone for responsible technology use. Use The Achievery’s digital citizenship resources to help students understand the importance of online safety and respectful communication.
- Supplement Your Core Curriculum: Whether you’re teaching math, science, or language arts, use The Achievery’s lessons to reinforce key concepts and provide students with hands-on, interactive learning experiences.
- Create Thematic Units: Build thematic units that integrate The Achievery’s resources across multiple subjects. For example, combine a lesson on online privacy with a language arts project on persuasive writing, or link a science activity with a social studies discussion on technology’s impact on society.
Engage Families: Extend learning beyond the classroom by encouraging students to explore The Achievery’s activities at home with their families. This not only reinforces what they’ve learned in class but also helps families stay informed about digital safety and literacy.
Empowering Students for the Future
As we step into the new school year, The Achievery offers a unique opportunity to enrich your teaching and empower your students. By integrating this versatile platform into your classroom, you’re not only enhancing academic learning but also equipping students with the skills they need to navigate the digital world safely and confidently.
So, as you plan for the year ahead, consider making The Achievery a central part of your educational toolkit. With its engaging content and comprehensive resources, you can ensure that your students are not just learning, but thriving in every sense of the word.
