Where learning meets storytelling, and design meets purpose.

My son began learning Dutch in his first year of kindergarten, even though we speak English and Spanish at home. Throughout his schooling, he was treated as a native Dutch speaker, which created a persistent language barrier—especially in math. Key terms like optellen (add) and aftrekken (subtract) were unfamiliar and abstract, making it difficult for him to connect with the material and build confidence. Design Solution To support his learning, I created a custom interactive module using Adobe Captivate, designed around principles from Cognitive Load Theory and Dual Coding. The goal was to reduce cognitive strain by pairing simplified language with strong visual cues and auditory reinforcement. The module featured: Voiceovers in English to support comprehension Sound effects and music to maintain engagement A superhero narrative that transformed math operations into story-based challenges Gamification elements inspired by the Octalysis Framework, including: Epic Meaning: Framing math as a heroic quest to help others Accomplishment: Clear goals and feedback for each task Empowerment of Creativity & Feedback: Interactive choices and immediate responses Ownership: Progress tracking and personalized pacing The storytelling component was essential. By embedding math problems within a narrative, abstract vocabulary became part of a meaningful journey. For example, characters introduced key Dutch math terms like Samen / Bij elkaar and Totaal / In totaal in context, helping my son associate language with action and purpose. Outcome The result was transformative. My son not only overcame the language barrier but also developed a love for math. He gained fluency in Dutch math vocabulary and the confidence to tackle problems independently. Ultimately, he graduated elementary school in the United States with honors in mathematics—a proud milestone that affirmed the power of learner-centered design. This project reflects my commitment to creating inclusive, gameful, and story-driven instructional experiences that meet diverse learner needs and turn challenges into opportunities for growth.