Total Party Thrill: RPG Advice From Our Table to Yours TPT #372: Gaming With Kids
Jul 18, 2024
Rich Howard, a teacher and game designer with a rich background in RPGs and game-schooling, discusses the joys and techniques of running games for kids. He explores how tabletop games like D&D can enhance math and vocabulary skills through interactive play. Rich shares insights on using modern board games for stealth education, highlights the importance of engaging, well-designed educational games, and emphasizes nurturing children’s creativity and problem-solving. He offers practical advice for GMs and reveals how today’s youth could transform future gaming experiences.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Games As Springboards For Learning
- Rich Howard uses games as springboards to teach science, vocabulary, and critical thinking through curiosity-driven play.
- He pairs gameplay with documentaries and discussions to deepen learning and retention.
Pick Fun-First Educational Games
- Choose well-designed games first; avoid games where education overrides fun or playtesting is poor.
- Use stealth education: pick games that teach through engagement rather than explicit drills.
Use Age-Appropriate Starter Systems
- Start kids with age-appropriate RPGs like No Thank You, Evil, Hero Kids, or Little Game Masters.
- Let pre-gens or simple mechanics scaffold early play and build confidence.
