A Vertical Approach to Skill-Building: Badging in Design, Tech, and Engineering

Over the past few years, our Elementary Design Technology and Engineering vertical team has worked to document and strengthen core projects across the curriculum. With a representative from each grade level, we focused on identifying consistent projects that provide students with common skills while also aligning learning vertically from grade to grade.

One area we prioritized was digital publishing. To build a clear progression, we developed success criteria and tool pathways. For example, in Grade 1, students were introduced to publishing through Book Creator. By Grade 2, they advanced to Canva, gaining experience with more sophisticated tools.

To make learning engaging and visible, we designed a badging system. Students earned stickers for their iPads once they demonstrated specific skills and met success criteria. These badges not only celebrated achievement but also empowered students as experts who could support their peers.

The system proved simple yet highly effective for building skills in a fun, motivating way. Building on this success, we expanded the approach to include other core areas such as coding, engineering, and podcasting.

Tips for Educators Looking to Try This Approach:

• Start small. Choose one skill area and define clear success criteria students can work toward.

• Make it visible. Whether it’s stickers, digital icons, or classroom displays, badges motivate when students can see and share their progress.

• Empower experts. Encourage students who earn badges to help others—this builds community and spreads knowledge.

• Align across grades. Work with your team to decide which skills should be consistent each year and how they can grow in complexity.

• Celebrate growth. Focus on progress over perfection—badges are about building confidence as much as building skills.

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By making learning visible and aligned, badges can be a powerful tool for supporting skill development across grade levels while keeping students engaged and motivated.