How to Start An After School Gaming Club in Your Public Middle School

Starting an after-school gaming club in a public middle school can be a rewarding experience for both educators and students. With the rise in popularity of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) like Dungeon Crawl Classics, these clubs provide students with an opportunity to develop social skills, creativity, and critical thinking in a collaborative environment. This guide is designed to help educators navigate the process of creating and maintaining a successful gaming club, from the initial planning stages to the long-term sustainability of the club.

1. Understanding the Benefits of Tabletop Role-Playing Games

Why TTRPGs?

Tabletop role-playing games are not just a source of entertainment; they offer educational benefits that align with many academic goals:

• Critical Thinking: Players must solve complex problems and think on their feet.

• Creativity: Building characters and worlds fosters imaginative thinking.

• Teamwork: Success in most games requires collaboration and communication.

• Social Skills: Interaction in a game setting can enhance students' interpersonal skills.

• Literacy and Numeracy: Many TTRPGs involve reading, writing, and basic math, reinforcing these skills in an engaging context.

Supporting Research: According to the American Psychological Association, role-playing games have been shown to improve cognitive and social skills in children and adolescents.

2. Securing Approval from School Administration

Presenting Your Case

Before starting the club, you’ll need to secure approval from your school’s administration. Here’s how you can present your case effectively:

• Prepare a Proposal: Outline the educational benefits and how the club aligns with the school’s educational goals.

• Highlight Safety and Supervision: Assure the administration that the club will be supervised by responsible adults and that the content of the games will be age-appropriate.

• Provide Examples: Share success stories from other schools that have established similar clubs.

Tips for Success:

• Use evidence-based research to support your proposal.

• Be ready to address concerns about time, resources, and content.

Sample Proposal Template:

Section

Details

Club Name

The Adventure Guild

Purpose

To foster creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking through tabletop role-playing games.

Meeting Times

Weekly on Tuesdays from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Supervision

Led by [Your Name], with additional volunteer support.

Resources Needed

Basic TTRPG starter sets, dice, character sheets, and snacks.

Expected Outcomes

Improved student engagement, social interaction, and academic performance.

Supporting Research: Be sure to include cited sources! Articles here on RPGs for Teachers can help make your case.

3. Recruiting Students and Gaining Interest

Creating Excitement

To ensure a successful launch, you’ll need to generate interest among students. Here are some strategies:

• Flyers and Posters: Create eye-catching flyers and posters to advertise the club. Consider using images from popular games to grab attention.

• Morning Announcements: Utilize the school’s morning announcements to promote the club.

• Demo Sessions: Organize a demo session during lunch or after school to give students a taste of what to expect.

Tips for Inclusive Recruitment:

• Encourage students from diverse backgrounds to join.

• Make sure to emphasize that no prior experience is necessary.

Sample Poster:

Join The Adventure!

What? Tabletop Role-Playing Game Club

When? Every Tuesday after school

Where? Room 201

Who? Open to all students – no experience needed!

Why? To have fun, make friends, and go on epic adventures!

4. Gathering Resources and Materials

What You’ll Need

Starting a gaming club doesn’t require a huge budget, but you will need some basic materials:

• Starter Kits: Many TTRPGs, like Dungeon Crawl Classics, offer starter kits that include everything you need to get started.

• Dice and Character Sheets: These are essential for most games. You can find free printable character sheets online, and bulk dice sets can be purchased at a discount.

• Rulebooks: While some games offer free basic rules online, having physical rulebooks available is helpful.

• Snacks and Drinks: Providing light snacks can make meetings more enjoyable and create a welcoming atmosphere.

Sourcing Materials:

• Donations: Reach out to local game stores or online communities for donations.

• Fundraisers: Consider organizing a small fundraiser to purchase materials.

• Grants: Look into educational grants that support extracurricular activities.

Budget Planning Table:

Item

Estimated Cost

Notes

Starter Kits

$20 - $50 each

Look for deals online or at local stores.

Dice Sets

$10 - $15 per set

Bulk purchases can lower the cost.

Rulebooks

$30 - $50 each

Check for used or discounted options.

Snacks & Drinks

$20 - $30 per week

Optional, but recommended.

Fundraiser Materials

Varies

Could include bake sales, raffles, etc.

Supporting Source: Goodman Games offers a variety of starter sets and resources that are perfect for school clubs.

5. Structuring Your Club Meetings

Weekly Meeting Breakdown

Consistency and structure are key to maintaining student engagement. A typical meeting might look like this:

• 3:00 PM - 3:15 PM: Arrival and Social Time

• Allow students to settle in, grab a snack, and socialize.

• 3:15 PM - 3:30 PM: Rules and Introduction

• Briefly review game rules and introduce any new players.

• 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM: Gameplay

• Dive into the game session. Make sure everyone is included and having fun.

• 4:45 PM - 5:00 PM: Wrap-Up and Clean-Up

• Summarize the day’s adventure, collect materials, and ensure the room is clean.

Tips for Success:

• Be flexible with the schedule to accommodate the needs and energy levels of the students.

• Encourage students to take on leadership roles, such as Game Master (GM) or session recorder.

Sample Meeting Agenda:

Time

Activity

Details

3:00 PM - 3:15 PM

Arrival & Social Time

Light snacks, casual conversation, and prep for gameplay.

3:15 PM - 3:30 PM

Rules & Introduction

Review game rules, introduce new members.

3:30 PM - 4:45 PM

Gameplay

Main game session with focus on teamwork and fun.

4:45 PM - 5:00 PM

Wrap-Up & Clean-Up

Recap the session, collect materials, clean the room.

6. Handling Challenges and Ensuring Inclusivity

Common Challenges

Running a gaming club comes with its own set of challenges. Here’s how to handle them:

• Disruptive Behavior: Set clear expectations for behavior and enforce them consistently. If issues arise, address them privately with the students involved.

• Attendance Fluctuations: Keep track of attendance and reach out to students who stop attending to see if there’s anything you can do to help them re-engage.

• Balancing Skill Levels: Ensure that new players feel welcome and supported by pairing them with more experienced members.

Promoting Inclusivity:

• Encourage respectful behavior and create a welcoming environment for all students, regardless of gender, background, or experience level.

• Be mindful of the content of the games played, ensuring they are appropriate for all members.

Conflict Resolution Table:

Issue

Strategy

Outcome

Disruptive Behavior

Private conversation and set boundaries

Improved behavior and focus.

Skill Level Differences

Pairing new players with veterans

Enhanced learning and inclusion.

Low Attendance

Reach out to absentee members

Increased engagement and retention.

Supporting Source: The Education Development Center offers resources on managing after-school programs effectively.

7. Sustaining and Growing the Club

Long-Term Success

Once your club is up and running, it’s important to think about sustainability and growth:

• Annual Events: Consider organizing an annual game day or tournament to keep interest high.

• Student Leadership: Encourage students to take on leadership roles, such as organizing events or leading game sessions.

• Community Partnerships: Build relationships with local game stores or libraries to gain access to additional resources.

Expanding Your Club:

• Start a Schoolwide Campaign: Consider running a schoolwide TTRPG campaign that involves multiple groups and culminates in a final event.

• Branch Out into Other Games: As the club grows, you might introduce new types of games, such as board games or card games, to keep things fresh.

Growth Strategy Table:

Strategy

Action Steps

Benefits

Annual Events

Plan and promote a yearly game day

Boosts club visibility and excitement.

Student Leadership

Create leadership roles within the club

Empowers students and builds responsibility.

Community Partnerships

Partner with local game stores or libraries

Access to more resources and expertise.

Conclusion

Starting an after-school gaming club in your public middle school can be a deeply rewarding experience that benefits students academically, socially, and emotionally. With careful planning, the support of your administration, and a commitment to inclusivity and engagement, your gaming club can thrive and become a beloved part of the school community. By fostering a safe and creative environment, you’re not only helping students develop valuable skills but also creating a space where they can express themselves, build friendships, and have fun.

Resources and References

• Witch Pleas Publishing Official Site: Your source for deep discounts for educators, librarians and teachers on education-oriented tabletop roleplaying games.

• DriveThruRPG: A comprehensive resource for RPG rulebooks and materials.

• Education Week: Articles on the educational benefits of roleplaying games.

• DriveThruRPG: Offers a vast selection of RPG rulebooks and supplements.

• The Roleplaying Game Guide: A comprehensive guide to different RPG systems and game masters’ advice.

• Tabletop Gaming Magazine: Offers reviews, guides, and news on the latest tabletop RPGs.