Fall Session 2024
**IS FULL**
9/12 - 10/24/24
Thursdays from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Pizza Dinner Included!
Thursdays from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Pizza Dinner Included!
What is Dungeons & Dragons?
Dungeons & Dragons is a tabletop roleplaying game involving a collaborative story that players create together. It combines a consistent rule structure with unpredictable outcomes to engage players in meaningful social interactions and free-form, creative play. Traditionally, Dungeons & Dragons involves a group seated at the same table, using pencils, paper and dice to tell a story together. Players benefit from this fun and unique activity that encourages social connections and creative problem solving.
Why Dungeons & Dragons?
Role playing games like Dungeons & Dragons (a.k.a. D&D), help players connect with their peers and the world around them by interacting face-to-face in a fun and supportive environment. Each game session involves a variety of story encounters which asks players to make choices and find creative solutions as a group. Whether trying to sneak past a sleeping giant, fight off a horde of skeleton pirates, or persuade a forest witch to help the group on their quest, players will have many opportunities to shine and express themselves through their unique characters.
There are many benefits to playing D&D, which will impact players in a positive way simply by the nature of their highly interactive and social structure. Roleplaying games support players in developing skills related to:
There are many benefits to playing D&D, which will impact players in a positive way simply by the nature of their highly interactive and social structure. Roleplaying games support players in developing skills related to:
- Self-regulation
- Perspective-taking
- Emotional resilience
- Communication and collaboration
- Executive functioning
- Frustration tolerance
- Imaginative play
- Social confidence and self-esteem
- An experience of autonomy and non-judgement in making individual choices
- Taking risks and facing challenges in a safe and supportive space
What is a Game Facilitator?
The game facilitator (traditionally called a Game Master or Dungeon Master) teaches players the rules of the game and leads each session by describing the world in which the game takes place, playing the role of other characters or monsters in the story, guiding the players in taking turns and listening to each other to keep the story moving and players engaged. Our game facilitators are experienced in creating exciting game scenarios for players, improvising and making adjustments when needed, and “moving the spotlight” to encourage all players to work together and use creative approaches to the challenges presented in the story.
The game facilitator ensures a safe and supportive environment by paying careful attention to the player's responses to the game and presenting opportunities for players to work together. When needed, game content is changed to better suit the needs of players. For example, in a past game session, part of the story involved giant spiders. After a quick check-in with the players, a player expressed that spiders made them uncomfortable, so the spiders were changed to giant toads and the story continued on.
The game facilitator also uses simple check-in questions and debrief questions during each session. Check-in questions offer a low-stakes chance to contribute to the group both as a player and from the perspective of their character. For example, “If you could create any magic potion, what would it be? Answer both in person, and as your character!” This simple pre-game activity helps set the stage for players to practice sharing and listening among their peers.
Each session ends with a quick activity called “Stars and Wishes”. Players take turns sharing their Stars (highlights from the story they liked, or shout-outs to cool things the other players did during the session) and Wishes (things the player would like to do next session, or future predictions for the story).
The game facilitator ensures a safe and supportive environment by paying careful attention to the player's responses to the game and presenting opportunities for players to work together. When needed, game content is changed to better suit the needs of players. For example, in a past game session, part of the story involved giant spiders. After a quick check-in with the players, a player expressed that spiders made them uncomfortable, so the spiders were changed to giant toads and the story continued on.
The game facilitator also uses simple check-in questions and debrief questions during each session. Check-in questions offer a low-stakes chance to contribute to the group both as a player and from the perspective of their character. For example, “If you could create any magic potion, what would it be? Answer both in person, and as your character!” This simple pre-game activity helps set the stage for players to practice sharing and listening among their peers.
Each session ends with a quick activity called “Stars and Wishes”. Players take turns sharing their Stars (highlights from the story they liked, or shout-outs to cool things the other players did during the session) and Wishes (things the player would like to do next session, or future predictions for the story).
Curious to Learn More?
Check out these links on the benefits of Tabletop Roleplaying Games!
The Surprising Benefits of Roleplaying Games
https://lifehacker.com/the-surprising-benefits-of-role-playing-games-and-how-1684582789
Role-Playing Game Research
https://gametogrow.org/resources/research/
Dungeons and Dragons is a New Form of Therapy for Kids
https://www.today.com/video/dungeons-dragons-is-a-new-form-of-therapy-for-kids-112725573817
The Surprising Benefits of Roleplaying Games
https://lifehacker.com/the-surprising-benefits-of-role-playing-games-and-how-1684582789
Role-Playing Game Research
https://gametogrow.org/resources/research/
Dungeons and Dragons is a New Form of Therapy for Kids
https://www.today.com/video/dungeons-dragons-is-a-new-form-of-therapy-for-kids-112725573817
