Legends Of Druidawn – Role Playing Games For Reluctant Writers

Voyagers, Inc. in Acton, MA, will be hosting a six-week Legends of Druidawn program geared towards upper elementary and lower middle school aged homeschoolers beginning April 1, 2011.

Legends of Druidawn will take place at Voyagers on Friday mornings from April 1 through May 13 (no meeting April 22) from 9:30-11:30 am with Jen Wiley-Cordone. Program cost is $85 for 6 weeks ($68 for members) with a minimum of 5 participants to run the program and a maximum group size of 12.

This program is geared towards upper elementary/lower middle school-aged homeschoolers with independent reading and writing abilities (approximate ages 8-12). Voyagers encourages participation based on interest and ability rather than age or grade. To register, send child's name, age and payment to Voyagers, 530 Main St., Acton, MA 01720 by March 26, 2011.

Legends of Druidawn is a fantasy role-playing game designed to excite reluctant writers and create a social space to share work. The role playing universe is similar to Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), but the rules are simplified and player characters cannot be killed off. Players move their characters up levels each week (gaining power, skill, and endurance) by completing writing assignments outside of the game, rather than by actions taken by their characters in the game.

During this six week session participants will use graphic organizers and writing prompts to write a complete science fiction/fantasy adventure short story. Together, we will explore such concepts as story arc, character development, metaphor and imagery. The two-hour weekly session will include time to introduce writing concepts, prepare for the game (updating character sheets), and of course, play the game! Participants will not be writing during the session, but will work on the story between sessions.

Participants are expected to be able to read/write independently, take turns, and accept guidance from the game master. Writers are expected to be able to produce legible work, including comprehensible spelling and punctuation. A helpful adult or mature writer will need to be available to assist the participant in reviewing writing and providing general “homework” assistance.

Voyagers Inc. is a homeschooling resource center and Coop located in Acton, Massachusetts. Voyagers is a secular, multi-cultural, volunteer-based, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides resources and a sense of community to support homeschooling families in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. For more information and directions, visit www.voyagersinc.org or call 978-263-8425.

Know someone who might be interested? Have access to a great community bulletin board? Please feel free to print and pass along the flier for this program: druidawn.pdf.

-- RhondaHamer - 10 Mar 2011