Problem-solving with Samorost

Samorost came out in 2003 - fifteen years ago no less - and the children I showed it to then are now in their mid-twenties...a scary thought but it's definitely still worth showing to a whole new generation.  
I introduced it to a Y3 class at the end of a half term when we had finished a project the previous week and wanted a 'one-off' to f̶i̶l̶l̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶t̶i̶m̶e̶ engage their problem-solving skills.

The rules were simple - I could not give any advice. They could ask any of their friends for hints and tips.  The buzz in the room as the penny finally drops on certain parts is worth watching, and there's loads to discuss around perseverance and resilience.  Growth mindset wasn't a thing in 2003 (not by name anyway) but it seems resources such as Samorost continue to help learners to tinker, make mistakes and ultimately learn from the experience. The quickest Year 3 (7 & 8 year-olds) managed to crack the first Samorost in around 30 minutes.  Try it in your class - there's Samorost, Samorost 2 and the new Samorost 3 if they're really keen.  Spoiler alert - I've not used Samorost 3 in class so can't vouch for it being classroom-friendly, although if like the other two it should be fine.  There are obvious links to use this as a writing stimulus as well.  Check the video out to know what to do if you would like to be ahead of your students...

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