When I was a Freshman in college in 1984 I was introduced to Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, a popular roleplaying game (RPG).  I didn't know anything about it at first, but I soon learned to love it!  There was the very attractive blend of myth (ala Lord of The Rings) with very detailed and well researched elements of history (my college major).  Also, without realizing it, through playing the game, I was working on my math skills as a matter of course!  Long after my college days I held fond memories of my adventures in Ravenloft Castle and beyond. 

 

Turn the page two decades, and I found myself raising a daughter  and needing something to occupy her time.  I wanted to do something both fun and educational.  From personal experience I knew that education was more readily accepted by students when they found the subject interesting.    I decided to see how my 8 year-old would react to the game.  She loved animals and nature, so she became a Druid.  Holding to history -- and her interest in British accents -- the adventures took place in England.  I wanted her to learn something, so I had this take place around the time of the second Roman Invasion.  Also, wanting to reinforce strong gender role models, I wove in the story of Queen Boudica and her rebellion against the Romans.  I have to say it was a major success!  Whenever I had visitation, she wanted to play!  And she learned!  She learned decision making, worked on math to determine the range and duration of her spells, and was introduced to real history!  If you're parent or educator, this "game" may be a teaching tool worth looking into!

 

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