Love of writing through play
Hi, I'm Michael - I teach writing with games and make games that teach.
Scroll down for more on my approach and Stories RPG, the game podcast where we help listeners learn to play to write. Click here to join a class or here if you'd like to try my approach in YOUR school, and start playing and learning for homeschool credit.
Educator, game designer, editor, writing coach.
I’m a CA high school English teacher, parent, story-teller, and game designer. I use games to learn writing, teach kids to write using games and design games that help classroom teachers create joyous communities of mastery (and coach them on how to do it!). My games teach kids non-violent conflict resolution, collaboration, confidence, critical thinking, and creative writing inspired by a love of learning, not fear of failure.
I welcome any chance to talk about my work - feel free to reach out and start a conversation! You can also find me on Twitter, Instagram, Itch, and LinkedIn.
How it works
00
What Kids Will Need
Each student needs a computer or iPad, reliable internet, access to Google docs, and a quiet place to laugh, act, and be ridiculous. A headset with a microphone helps, but isn't necessary!
The First Class
Each 5 or 6 day session begins with a vote for the game the group will play - anything from magical researchers protecting mythical creatures to monster teens dealing with freshman year at a new school for magical kids. Student then create characters, imagining who they'll become and how they're connected, learning about how we'll play the game. During the second hour, we jump into the world of the game, starting an epic adventure! In the last 10 minutes, we discuss writing prompts for next class, deciding what each student would like to write before the next class to help build the world. If kids struggle with typing, writing - and drawing! - stories by hand in order to upload works great, too!
01
02
Game On!
Each class begins with a read-aloud and celebration of everyone's stories, followed by discussion of how the tales can come together. Each student gets to build their character based on their writing, and then we jump back into the game - saving the last 10 to discuss what to write for next class and for shout-outs.
The Epic Finale
Each story arc comes to an epic close - and often a cliff-hanger ending! Parents receive feedback on their student's growth for 5 Common Core writing and speaking standards, along with a game summary. The work kids do counts towards homeschool ELA credit, as it's guided by a certified California teacher
03
04
Extend the Adventure
Students are welcome to keep exploring new worlds and writing amazing tales together by signing up for another course. We can continue with the stories they've written, explore a different world, or create a new one, together! All the resources for students to play and run the game remain available to them online, so the adventure never needs to end!
GET IN TOUCH
Questions about my classes or services? Feel free to reach out!