Website Header_Book Excellence.jpeg
Game On Brain On Cover.png

2021 Book Excellence Awards Winner

2021 National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist

2021 Readers Choice Awards Bronze

“The best informed, most usable, and best-written book on games and learning we now have for educators, teachers and parents.” – James Paul Gee, “What Video Games Have to Teach Us about Learning and Literacy

“Whether you're a n00b or a pro, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for what happens in the mind when engaged in play.” —Amber Coleman-Mortley, Director of Social Engagement iCivics

“Portnoy brilliantly shows us why and how to bring play’s power into classrooms through games. The lessons learned in games are limitless. Fun and learning coincide. — Peter Gray, Free to Learn: Why Releasing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life

Portnoy does a wonderful job emphasizing the importance of play in learning and how we need to ensure that we are addressing equity in terms of play."– Steve Isaacs, teacher, game design and development, Bernards Township Public Schools

"Game On? Brain On! is guaranteed to make you feel good while learning about play—just like a great, fun game!" – Dr. Kat (Karen) Schrier, Knowledge Games

Ready to level up learning?

With educators being continually pushed toward canned curriculums and standardized testing, Lindsay Portnoy reminds teachers, parents, and all those invested in education that there’s a better way to learn: through play.

Using cognitive science to explore the ways in which play helps students gain and maintain critical skills, Portnoy shows how inviting creativity and excitement into the classroom results in big gains for everyone. Thanks to the book’s relatable vignettes, ready-to-use examples, and informative “Level Up” toolboxes, readers are empowered to bring Portnoy’s lessons directly to their learners.

Follow the links on this page to find a study guide to use with your professional learning network (e.g., PLN) or use links to each of the different chapters to find beautifully designed materials to bring into your learning space tomorrow.

Together we will co-create a more inspired, playful, and powerful way to ‘do’ school!

Ready? Set? Game On!


Explore the chapter guides on the right or head right to the free tools and templates you need Here: