Step 1: Set up Minecraft education
Make sure you have the latest version installed. You can check your version and update if necessary with these instructions.
Join us in supporting literacy with this new build challenge and curriculum offered in partnership with Random House and supported by the National Literacy Trust. Students are challenged to build a shelter inspired by the first official Minecraft novel, Minecraft: The Island by Max Brooks.
Setup Minecraft Education
Sign up to receive the text
Sign up to receive the text
Read the text and build in Minecraft
Get ready to submit
Get ready to submit
Make sure you have the latest version installed. You can check your version and update if necessary with these instructions.
Request a free copy of the text for your students. Minecraft: The Island tells the story of a new hero stranded in the world of Minecraft, who must brave the harsh, unfamiliar environment to survive.
Challenge students to build their own unique Minecraft shelter in the provided build plate world by drawing on descriptions from the text.
To submit, each student or group must create a short video showing their Minecraft build and explain their use of the six P's featured in the text: Planning, Preparing, Prioritizing, Practice, Patience, and Perseverance. Submissions are open April 25 to June 1, 2022.
Prizes available in U.S. only, full details available here.
Use the links below to find additional resources such as standards alignment and extension activities for teaching with Minecraft: The Island
Visit the lesson page for more information on activities and standards in the US.
Explore this guide for more information about the author, Max Brooks, key vocabulary by chapter, and strategies for introducing the text.
Engage your students' creativity and strengthen 21st century skills with even more easy-to-implement activities for your classroom.
Explore more Minecraft reading and language arts activities including lessons, challenges, and curricula!