Reading, Writing & Roleplaying is an upcoming Escapist project devoted to using roleplaying as an educational tool, both in the classroom and out.

The goal here is to create a home for examples, methods, and ideas that will inspire anyone interested in teaching through roleplaying. If you are an educator, game designer, or anyone else interested in the subject matter and would like to participate, please contact me at

You can also visit the Reading, Writing, & Roleplaying discussion group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/reading_writing_RPG for updates and discussion on roleplaying and education.

NOTICE: Sam Chupp's Dragonkin podcast has recently released an episode that features an interview with David Millians, an educator from Georgia who has used roleplaying simulations in his classroom for well over a decade. The 45-minute interview is packed with ideas an inspiration, and is a must-listen to anyone who is interested in using roleplay simulation to teach. Visit dragonkin.bearsgrove.com, and look for Episode 5.

OTHER ROLEPLAYING & EDUCATION RESOURCES

GAMA - The website of the Game Manufacturer's Association has several resources for educators interested in bringing many different types of games - not only RPGs - into the classroom. You can find out more at GAMA's Games In Education page.

GAMA also hosts The Origins International Game Expo, held in Columbus Ohio every summer, which features a program called the Teacher's Hall Pass. Educators receive a free 4-day convention pass, which grants access to hundreds of game dealers (many of whom offer educator discounts), and game demos of all kinds. Plus, you can relax in the Teacher's Lounge, talk with other educators attending the convention, and participate in special game demos that feature an emphasis on lesson plans and learning goals.

The program is open to teachers at all grade levels, resource center specialists, school librarians, principals, college professors, homeschoolers, and public librarians. You can find out more about the program at www.gama.org/programs/gie