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Self Paced Creative Writing Through Dungeons and Dragons

Hone your creative writing skills by crafting an engaging, immersive Dungeons and Dragons adventure!
Rachel Raum (she/her)
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(384)
Popular
Class

What's included

6 pre-recorded lessons
6 weeks
of teacher support
1 year access
to the content
Homework
1-2 hours per week. Each lesson will include a writing assignment. I will provide feedback, gently encouraging learners to stretch beyond their current writing abilities. Feedback will be focused less on grammar and spelling and more on creativity and crafting immersive experiences.

Class Experience

US Grade 7 - 10
Dungeons and Dragons is not only a fun game, but it can also be a great vehicle for teaching other subjects, such as creative writing.  In this class, students will learn to write their own Fifth Edition D&D adventure, with an emphasis on creative writing.  We will also discuss the mechanics of setting up combat, rules of play, awarding experience and treasure, and the other responsibilities of being a Dungeon Master.  

Each lesson includes a video lecture along with a handout of what is discussed in the video.  Over the course of the week, learners will have the opportunity to ask questions, engage in discussions, and do some writing practice.  For each lesson, a short writing assignment will be given.  During the last week, learners will combine their assignments into a coherent, playable encounter.

Learners should complete their writing assignments using a word processing software like Word or Open Office so they can utilize the spelling and grammar check tools.  Homework assignments should be submitted either through a shared Google Doc or in a PDF or Word format.

Lesson One:  World Building
We will cover the pro’s and con’s of choosing an established D&D world or creating your own.  Learners will be asked to consider such choices as the prevalence of magic, a pantheon of gods, time period, climate, and geography of the setting in which they want their adventure to take place.  We will also cover the basics of how to be a good Dungeon Master.

Lesson Two:  Getting Started
The ‘adventure hook’ is what gets the players going, and this week students will learn how to come up with a good one.  We will also cover how to keep the momentum going during longer adventures.

Lesson Three:  Local Settings
This lesson will go over how much description should be included when entering a new area or room and how to make the learner’s adventure come to life for the players.  We will also cover about the importance of using maps during adventures, and different methods of creating maps.

Lesson Four:  Non-Player Characters
Non-Player Characters (NPCs) can add a lot to an adventure if done well.  Students will learn how to create dynamic NPCs and how to role-play them while DMing.  We will also cover building engaging dialogue.

Lesson Five:  Combat
This lesson will teach learners how to build a combat encounter that will give their players just the right amount of challenge.  I will teach various methods for determining what type and how many monsters to have in a combat encounter as well as how to make combat encounters more immersive and engaging.  Learners will also get tips on how to manage the mechanics of combat when DMing.

Lesson Six:  Pulling It all Together
Learners will take all five of their creative writing assignments and assemble them into a clear, coherent D&D adventure.  We will talk about formatting the adventure to make sure it’s easily readable and how to make sure the learner has everything necessary to DM their adventure.  Learners will be encouraged to find friends or family to try their adventure.

Syllabus

6 Lessons
over 6 Weeks
Lesson 1:
World Building
 We will cover the pro’s and con’s of choosing an established D&D world or creating your own.  Learners will be asked to consider such choices as the prevalence of magic, a pantheon of gods, time period, climate, and geography of the setting in which they want their adventure to take place.  We will also cover the basics of how to be a good Dungeon Master.

Writing Assignment:  describe the world the adventure is set in, covering magic, climate and geography, monsters, cultures, and more. 
Lesson 2:
Adventure Hooks
 The ‘adventure hook’ is what gets the players going, and this week students will learn how to come up with a good one.  We will also cover how to keep the momentum going during longer adventures.

Writing Assignment:  create a compelling adventure hook. 
Lesson 3:
Immersive Descriptions
 This lesson will go over how much description should be included when entering a new area or room and how to make the learner’s adventure come to life for the players.  We will also cover about the importance of using maps during adventures, and different methods of creating maps.

Writing Assignment:  write a vivid description of a particular area the characters will encounter. 
Lesson 4:
Non-Player Characters
 Non-Player Characters (NPCs) can add a lot to an adventure if done well.  Students will learn how to create dynamic NPCs and how to role-play them while DMing.  We will also cover building engaging dialogue.

Writing Assignment:  develop and describe an important NPC and create a stat block for them if necessary. 

Other Details

Parental Guidance
Dungeons and Dragons often deals with combat, which naturally involves injuries and sometimes death. There will be some discussion how to creatively describe combat maneuvers, injuries, and room descriptions that may involve the 'consequences' of combat. Generally these things are discussed in as light-hearted a way as possible.
Supply List
I will provide PDFs of the Basic Rules for Players and the Basic Rules for Dungeon Masters as well as premade character sheets.  If you feel like your child is serious about D&D and creating adventures, I'd suggest buying the Players Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, and Monster Manual (each about $20 from Amazon).  A set of real dice and graph paper are also helpful.  However, no purchases are necessary for the class.
 3 files available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2018
4.9
384reviews
Popular
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have been a homeschooling mother for 19 years to four children with very different learning styles.  I have taught countless classes to homeschoolers over the years, ranging from Latin to art history to astrophysics.  I've also assisted students in leading their own educational groups, such as book clubs and social justice clubs.  For four years, I traveled the United States full-time in an RV with my family; we visited 46 states and enjoyed everything from viewing amazing wildlife in National Parks to entertainment and great food in some of the biggest cities.  We've now settled down near the beach in sunny Florida.

I believe in meeting children where they are and tailoring their education to fit their needs.  I believe that the best education a child can have is an education they feel they have ownership of.  Children learn and retain information best when the subject has personal relevance to them and when they are guided towards their own discovery of knowledge.  One of my favorite things about teaching here on Outschool is watching children grow in confidence and learn through play.

Dungeons and Dragons is one of my favorite hobbies - I love everything about it, from writing stories and reading lore to painting miniatures and making detailed digital maps to laughing with my learners and being surprised by their creativity.  I love other games as well - if it's not D&D night at my home, we play video games (Gartic Phone and Mario Kart are current favorites) or board games.

Creating a safe, affirming, and anti-racist classroom is my biggest priority.  Whether students identify as LGBTQ+, neurodiverse, socially anxious, or if they need support in any other way, I provide gentle encouragement and the space for them to be themselves while having fun.

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Self-Paced Class
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$10

weekly or $60 for all content
6 pre-recorded lessons
6 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content

Completed by 92 learners
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Ages: 12-17

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