These days, many children spend too much time on their phones, mostly watching entertainment instead of learning. This excessive screen time can make it harder for them to pay attention, especially when studying. To tackle this challenge, educators have introduced gamification as a creative solution to make learning more engaging and effective.
Gamification is the integration of interesting activities that will spark learner’s interest in learning subconsciously. One of the schools that has incorporated gamification is Lil’ but Mighty (LBM).
Lil’ but Mighty (LBM) has transformed traditional learning into an interactive and enjoyable experience for young students. Founder Lily Chew shares how this approach has not only increased student engagement but also fostered better study habits and confidence.
The Inspiration Behind Gamification at LBM
“The idea of gamification and a reward system has always been a big part of Lil’ but Mighty,” Lily explains. “Having done that in a primary school setting before I started LBM, I know how it can play a huge part in motivating the students.” From the very beginning, LBM integrated a point system not only to reinforce positive learning but also to encourage effective study habits.
Their creative use of mascots like Grammar Grandma and Compo Cop makes learning relatable and fun.
“Just like how I enjoyed listening to stories and the adventures which the characters embark on, our LBM mascots make each component more relatable to the children,” Lily shares. “With their curiosity piqued about what each character does and the story they have, students also become more interested to learn.”
Benefits of Gamified Learning
According to Lily, gamified learning enhances student participation, builds confidence, and encourages the application of effective study habits.
“Students are more engaged during the lessons and practise more awareness of good study habits such as applying strategies they’ve learned in their work,” she notes. “It also helps to build their confidence in learning as they are recognised for the effort they put in and not based on comparisons with their peers.”
Addressing Parental Concerns
Some parents worry that games may distract from actual learning. However, Lily reassures them that with clear objectives and purposeful design, gamified learning remains educational and effective.
“At Lil’ but Mighty, we believe that when used purposefully, games can be a powerful tool to reinforce concepts and keep students meaningfully engaged,” she says. “Our teachers set clear objectives and expectations before any game-based activity. With the right structure and intention, games can deepen understanding and make learning more effective — and enjoyable!”
Tips for Parents to Incorporate Gamification at Home
Lily offers simple and creative ways parents can gamify learning at home:
-
Reading Quest: Create a reading map with a pathway of squares. Children earn stars for each chapter or book they read, with additional rewards for more challenging reads.
-
Scavenger Hunts: Design scavenger hunts using riddles or English questions. Add a small prize to boost motivation.
-
DIY Board Games: Make board games based on subjects your child is learning. Kids can create question cards and introduce “danger spaces” for added fun.
-
Use Educational Apps: Apps like ClassDojo can help parents track goals and reward children for their progress.
Innovative Learning Spaces
At LBM, the environment itself sparks creativity. The centre’s giant Scrabble-inspired wall and collectable card series are student favourites.
“We want the students and the teachers to be immersed in the world of English the moment they see the gigantic Scrabble wall,” Lily says. “It’s also a collaborative space where students learn from each other.”
The LBM cards system is another exciting feature. Inspired by the National Library Board’s BookBugs cards, LBM collaborated with Edvocado to create exclusive game cards featuring motivational messages and English idioms.
Looking Ahead
Lily and her team continuously explore new interactive elements to enhance learning.
“We will continue to fine-tune our contests and events for both our students and the wider LBM community,” she shares. “We are also expanding our collectable card series and developing interactive features for our online courses, including quizzes and videos.”
By blending fun with purpose, Lil’ but Mighty is shaping confident learners who enjoy mastering the English language. With gamified learning, every student gets the chance to shine.
