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Learn How to Dungeon Master! Running the Game - Dungeons & Dragons

This course introduces you to the art and science of running a tabletop roleplaying game. Develop essential DM skills including storytelling, improvisation, and player engagement while learning to create unforgettable gaming experiences!
Bloom Academy
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:
(52)
Popular
Class
Play

What's included

8 live meetings
8 in-class hours
Homework
1-2 hours per week. 1-2 per week
Assessment
included

Class Experience

Beginner - Advanced Level
Learn to Be a Dungeon Master: Advanced D&D Game Running Course (Ages 11-16)

Transform from player to Dungeon Master in this comprehensive workshop designed for intermediate D&D enthusiasts! Master the art of running engaging tabletop roleplaying games through hands-on training in storytelling, game mechanics, and group leadership. Perfect for teens who want to take their D&D experience to the next level.

Course Overview:
• Weekly interactive seminars
• Hands-on DM practice sessions
• Take-home preparation assignments
• Digital tool training
• Practical storytelling exercises
• Game management techniques
• Leadership skill development

Essential DM Skills You'll Master:
• Advanced D&D rules and fair adjudication
• World-building and campaign creation
• NPC development and roleplaying
• Combat encounter balancing
• Story arc development
• Digital mapping and virtual tabletop use
• Group management techniques

Learning Modules Include:
• Mastering the Dungeon Master's Guide
• Creating compelling fantasy worlds
• Designing balanced encounters
• Managing player expectations
• Improvising narrative elements
• Using digital D&D tools effectively
• Handling challenging player situations

Practical Applications:
• Weekly DMing exercises
• NPC creation workshops
• Combat encounter design
• Story development practice
• Digital tool tutorials
• Group management scenarios
• Improvisation challenges

Perfect For Students Who:
• Have played D&D but want to DM
• Love creating fantasy stories
• Enjoy leading group activities
• Want to improve public speaking
• Like using digital gaming tools
• Are interested in game design
• Want to run their own campaigns

Skills Development:
• Leadership and group management
• Creative storytelling
• Strategic planning
• Public speaking
• Digital tool proficiency
• Problem-solving
• Improvisation

Weekly Structure:
• Interactive lesson component
• Hands-on practice sessions
• Take-home preparations
• Digital tool training
• Storytelling exercises
• Group feedback sessions
• Progress tracking

Educational Benefits:
• Enhanced leadership abilities
• Improved narrative skills
• Strategic thinking development
• Public speaking practice
• Digital literacy advancement
• Creative writing enhancement
• Conflict resolution experience

Join us to master the art of Dungeon Mastering! This course bridges the gap between playing D&D and running your own epic campaigns. Ideal for teens who want to create unforgettable adventures and lead their own gaming groups.

Prerequisites: Basic understanding of D&D 5th Edition rules. All digital materials and resources provided.
Learning Goals
1. Develop the ability to create and run engaging, balanced, and enjoyable D&D sessions that cater to various player preferences and play styles.
2. Master the core rules of D&D 5e and learn to make fair, consistent rulings that enhance rather than hinder gameplay.
learning goal

Syllabus

8 Lessons
over 8 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Introduction to Dungeon Mastering
 • Role of the DM
  • Basic rules overview
  • Session preparation basics 
60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
NPC Creation and Roleplaying
 • Designing memorable characters
  • Improvisation techniques
  • Voice acting and character portrayal 
60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
NPC Creation and Roleplaying
 • Designing memorable characters
  • Improvisation techniques
  • Voice acting and character portrayal 
60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Encounter Design and Balancing
 • Creating challenging and fun combat scenarios
  • Balancing encounters for different party sizes and levels
  • Incorporating puzzles and skill challenges 
60 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Supply List
Optional: The Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition Player's handbook. A set of TTRPG dice set consisting of a d20, d12, d10, d8, d6, d4.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined March, 2021
4.8
52reviews
Popular
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in Physics from York University
Mr. Romeo
Master's Degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from University of Calgary
Vicki Tran
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering from University of Montreal
Philippe Lavoie
Bachelor's Degree in Music from University of Western Ontario
Diana Alecu
Bachelor's Degree in Music from Berklee College of Music
Nicole Demers
Bachelor's Degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from York University
Mr. Romeo
Associate's Degree in Computer Engineering from Polytechnique de Montreal
Philippe Lavoie
Associate's Degree in Music from The Royal Conservatory of Music Canada
Diana Alecu
Expert D&D Educator: Transforming Youth Through Tabletop RPG Adventures

Hi everyone! I'm Erik, a veteran Tabletop RPG Game Master with over 20 years of experience teaching Dungeons & Dragons and other roleplaying games to young players. I specialize in using D&D and RPGs as powerful educational tools that build essential life skills through guided collaborative storytelling.

Educational Gaming Benefits & Skill Development

Through carefully crafted tabletop roleplaying adventures, your child will develop:
• Critical Thinking & Strategic Problem-Solving Skills
• Collaborative Storytelling & Creative Writing Abilities
• Social Skills & Emotional Intelligence
• Leadership & Team Communication
• Mathematical Reasoning Through Game Mechanics
• Reading Comprehension & Vocabulary Building
• Public Speaking & Character Development
• Confidence in Group Settings

Professional RPG Teaching Methodology

My structured approach to teaching D&D and tabletop RPGs includes:
• Small Group Sessions (4-6 Players) for Personalized Attention
• Progressive Skill-Building Adventures
• Age-Appropriate Campaign Content
• Balanced Mix of Combat, Roleplay, and Puzzle-Solving
• Positive Reinforcement Learning Environment
• Customized Character Development Support
• Regular Achievement Recognition

Why Choose Our Educational RPG Program
• 20+ Years Experience Teaching Youth D&D
• Safe, Inclusive Gaming Environment
• Structured Learning Through Play
• Integration with Academic Skills
• Focus on Cooperative Problem-Solving
• Continuous Progress Monitoring
• Beginner-Friendly Introduction to TTRPGs
• Flexible Learning Paths for Different Play Styles

Our educational gaming program transforms shy players into confident leaders through the power of collaborative storytelling and strategic gameplay. Unlike competitive games, our D&D sessions create a supportive environment where every player contributes to the narrative while developing crucial life skills.

Join Our Educational Gaming Community

Whether your child is new to tabletop RPGs or an experienced player, our program provides the perfect blend of structured learning and imaginative play. Watch as they develop essential academic and social skills while embarking on exciting adventures!

Contact us today to begin your child's journey into educational roleplaying games!

Reviews

Live Group Course
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$15

weekly or $120 for 8 classes
1x per week, 8 weeks
60 min

Live video meetings
Ages: 11-16
3-6 learners per class

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