Teaching How to Run a Game in Your School Gaming Club
One of the most important skills to teach students in a school gaming club is how to run a game. Running a tabletop roleplaying game (RPG) or a board game effectively requires leadership, organization, creativity, and the ability to manage multiple players and their needs. By teaching students how to be game masters (GMs) or game facilitators, you empower them to take ownership of the game experience, build confidence, and foster leadership skills.
This post will guide you through the process of teaching students to run games in your school gaming club, offering tips for educators who are starting or managing tabletop roleplaying game clubs.
Why Teach Students to Run Games?
Before we dive into the details of teaching students to run games, it’s essential to understand why this is a valuable skill for students to learn:
Leadership Development: Running a game puts students in charge, helping them develop decision-making and leadership abilities.
Organization and Preparation: GMs need to be well-prepared and organized, skills that are essential for both academic and personal success.
Creative Thinking: Running a game encourages creative thinking, as GMs must develop engaging storylines, world-building, and characters.
Conflict Resolution: GMs often manage conflicts within the game or between players, giving them practice in diplomacy and problem-solving.
Empowerment and Engagement: When students are given the tools to run their own games, they feel more invested in the club and take greater ownership of their learning experience.
Steps for Teaching Students to Run a Game
1. Start with the Basics
Before students dive into running a game, they need to understand the basic principles of what it means to be a game master or facilitator. This foundational knowledge is critical to setting them up for success.
Explain the Role of the GM: Start by explaining that the GM is responsible for guiding the game, setting the tone, and ensuring everyone is having fun. They also manage the game’s story, rules, and mechanics.
Discuss Player Management: Emphasize that GMs are not only running the game but also managing a group of players. This means they need to balance the needs of different players, ensure everyone is included, and maintain order when necessary.
Teach Game Mechanics: Go over the game’s rules and mechanics so that students understand how the game works. Whether it’s an RPG like Dungeon Crawl Classics or a board game like Gloomhaven, understanding the rules is the first step in running a smooth game.
Basic Concepts to Cover:
The GM’s role in storytelling and decision-making
The importance of being inclusive and fair
Understanding the game’s mechanics and rules
2. Provide Examples and Demonstrations
Once students understand the basic responsibilities of running a game, it’s time to provide them with examples and demonstrations. Show them how an experienced GM runs a game, highlighting key elements like storytelling, rule interpretation, and player engagement.
Run a Sample Game: Run a sample game yourself, showing students how to guide the story, manage players, and handle mechanics. As you play, explain your thought process so they understand why you make certain decisions.
Watch Other GMs: If possible, have students watch other experienced GMs run games. This could be another educator or even an online game, such as a YouTube playthrough or a live stream on platforms like Twitch.
Break Down Key Moments: After the demonstration, break down key moments in the game. Discuss how you handled player questions, made narrative decisions, or interpreted rules. Encourage students to ask questions about what they observed.
Demonstration Tips:
Explain your reasoning as you run the game so students can learn from your thought process.
Point out different ways to handle conflicts, questions, or rule clarifications.
Encourage students to ask questions and reflect on what they observed.
3. Practice in a Safe Environment
Once students have a good understanding of how to run a game, the next step is to give them opportunities to practice. This should be done in a safe, supportive environment where they can make mistakes, experiment with their style, and receive constructive feedback.
Create a Low-Stakes Setting: Start with low-pressure practice sessions where students can take on the role of the GM for short, one-shot games or simplified scenarios. Keep the stakes low so that students feel comfortable experimenting.
Provide Guidance: During these practice sessions, offer guidance when necessary, but allow students to take the lead. If they encounter challenges, give them the opportunity to problem-solve on their own before stepping in with advice.
Encourage Reflection: After each practice session, hold a reflection period where the student GM can talk about their experience. Ask them what went well, what they found challenging, and what they’d like to improve for next time.
Practice Strategies:
Start with short, one-shot games or single encounters to build confidence.
Provide constructive feedback in a supportive manner after each session.
Allow students to reflect on their performance and set goals for improvement.
4. Focus on Storytelling and Engagement
One of the most important skills for a GM is the ability to engage players through storytelling and creative interaction. Helping students understand how to craft interesting narratives and keep players invested is key to running a successful game.
Teach Narrative Structure: Explain the basic elements of storytelling, such as setting, character development, conflict, and resolution. Encourage students to create engaging narratives that give players meaningful choices.
Develop NPCs and World-Building: Show students how to create non-player characters (NPCs) that feel real and add depth to the game. Encourage them to build immersive worlds that draw players in, whether through descriptions, maps, or even props.
Encourage Player Interaction: Teach students how to facilitate player interaction. This might involve prompting shy players to participate or giving more talkative players the space to step back and let others contribute.
Storytelling Tips:
Encourage students to give players choices that affect the story, making them feel involved.
Help students develop NPCs that are engaging and relevant to the plot.
Remind students to be flexible—sometimes players will take the story in unexpected directions, and that’s part of the fun!
5. Teach Conflict Resolution and Rule Interpretation
Conflict resolution and rule interpretation are two skills that can make or break a game session. Teaching students how to navigate these challenges will help them run smoother, more enjoyable games.
Clarify Rules Diplomatically: When players disagree on a rule or question the GM’s interpretation, it’s important for the GM to handle it diplomatically. Teach students how to explain their rulings clearly and respectfully, and when to be flexible if it benefits the game.
Handle In-Game Conflicts: Sometimes, players may have in-game conflicts, such as disagreements over strategy or character actions. Show students how to mediate these conflicts in a way that keeps the game moving and ensures everyone is having fun.
Know When to Step In: Help students recognize when to let players resolve conflicts themselves and when it’s necessary for the GM to step in and make a decision.
Conflict Resolution Tips:
Encourage open communication and active listening between players and GMs.
Teach students to remain neutral and focus on what’s best for the game.
Remind GMs that the goal is fun for everyone, and sometimes that means being flexible with rules.
6. Offer Continued Support and Mentorship
Even after students have started running their own games, continued support and mentorship are essential. Being a GM is a learning process, and providing ongoing guidance helps students refine their skills and build confidence.
Check In Regularly: Periodically check in with student GMs to see how their games are going. Ask about any challenges they’ve faced and offer advice or suggestions if needed.
Host GM Workshops: Consider hosting periodic GM workshops where students can learn new techniques, share their experiences, and discuss challenges they’ve faced while running games.
Encourage Peer Mentoring: As students become more experienced, encourage them to mentor newer GMs. This fosters a sense of community and helps reinforce the skills they’ve learned.
Mentorship Strategies:
Schedule regular check-ins with student GMs to offer support and feedback.
Create a community of GMs within your club where students can share ideas and strategies.
Encourage experienced GMs to take on leadership roles and mentor others.
Conclusion
Teaching students to run a game in your school gaming club is one of the most rewarding aspects of running the club. By guiding students through the process of becoming game masters, you’re not only teaching them how to lead games but also helping them develop essential life skills like leadership, creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration.
Through careful instruction, practice, and ongoing support, students can become confident and skilled GMs who bring their own unique style to the table. Empowering them to take charge of the game not only enriches their experience but also ensures the continued success of your school gaming club.
