The main learning outcome in this course is that you will learn how to create a “round” character.  A round character is one that feels real to the reader.  This learning objective is achieved through writing lessons that are built into every class and through the experience of having you role-play your character during game-play.

The goal of this class is to move your writing skills forward.  Since students in the class vary in age and ability, each student will progress at their own pace.  My job as the teacher is to remove any barriers to learning that exist so that every student can experience the joy of writing.  In order to achieve this, students with writing challenges are encouraged to use speech-to-text when completing their writing assignments.  Using adaptive tools can level the playing field for these students, giving them a way to show their creative writing abilities rather than their spelling disabilities.  

During game-play students will have lots of opportunities to work on their collaboration skills.  I support the students in this area in my role as the quest guide.  I also provide additional support when it is needed to create an inclusive learning environment.  For example, at the start of class, when it is time to share homework, students will always be asked if they would like to read their work out loud or if they would like the teacher to read it. Providing this choice is appreciated by many students, but it is essential for some.  

One final aim of this class is to make students feel excited about learning.  I create a safe, caring, atmosphere where students aim high by employing trauma-informed teaching strategies.  Each class is structured in ways that foster a sense of belonging, independence, mastery and generosity in students.  This trauma-informed approach makes students feel safe and supported, which is an environment that is conducive to learning.  

I am a certified teacher with over 20 years of teaching experience in the regular classroom. I also have training in the areas of special education and reading remediation. 

The setting of all Adventures in Arcana classes is the magical world of Arcana.  I created Arcana over 10 years ago, when I was teaching in a regular classroom.  My grade 8 students were completing a "build your own world" creative writing unit.  One student told me that the unit was so much fun that I should try it too.  Of course I did.  The result was Arcana.  Gradually, I started uses Arcana in creative writing lessons.  It evolved into what it is today: a role playing fantasy game.

The role-playing game part of this learning experience draws from the Dungeons and Dragon game, which was created by Gary Gygax, and Dave Arneson in 1974.  I learned about the concept of using gold coins to motivate students from using a social emotional learning system called Classcraft in my regular classes.