A quick overview of Dungeons and Dragons and RPGs in general, from a series used in my remote character creation process for the campaign Wordsmiths.

Ripley Stark

Game Master for Kids, Teens, Families, and English Language Learner (ELL) Adults

I have been a teacher for 20 years, and started teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages in 2010. I use tabletop Role Playing Games, such as my simplified version of Dungeons and Dragons 5e, to teach language, math, art, writing, and social skills to both kids and adults.

In-person campaigns in West LA or at your home for pre-existing groups of friends or family.

Remote campaigns on DnDBeyond and Foundry Virtual TableTop.

ripleyplayinggames@gmail.com

I'm writing to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible and inspiring class you have provided. I've never studied English using roleplaying games before and I have learned so much more than a textbook. I felt compelled to convey my appreciation for the love and knowledge I've received as a student. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to benefit from your creativity and intelligence in the games we played. This email isn't only as an expression of gratitude because of your teaching skills. I also wanted to express to you my deepest desire for the good of the world: Please break the game industry with a Ripley Stark video game! - ELL Student

Examples and Testimonials

A student’s mother was inspired to make a TikTok about my D&D club at school.

A recap video for the families after the first session with a group of kindergarteners for the campaign The Lost Armor of Kitsune.

An unedited, and spontaneously filmed (by a player!), simple encounter with a couple of young adventurers.

  • relax and have fun

  • develop spatial analysis skills

  • great for future actors

  • supplement classroom learning

  • encourage girls in gaming leadership

  • express your ideas

  • cooperative play

  • all materials provided

  • Practice mental math

  • creative writing

  • books and reading practice

  • Hero Forge Tokens

  • inspire visual arts

  • maps, item and spell cards, tokens, and more!

  • customized character sheets

  • DnD Beyond Interactive Character Sheets

  • Foundry Virtual TableTop

  • puzzles and mysteries

  • 20 years of instructional experience, focused on ESOL since 2010

  • Pre-K/Kindergarten teacher: 5 years

  • Elementary, Middle and High School teacher: 10 years

  • University Instruction: 5 years

  • EFL in Japan for 5 years: preschool, language schools and cram schools

  • ESOL in USA for 10 years: Kaplan’s Pathway program at Northeastern, FLS International, King’s Education, ISAL, etc.

  • ESOL program administration: English Language Center at Wheelock College

  • Curriculum developer and textbook editor: Pearson and various schools

  • University tutoring centers focused on ESOL: Lesley University, UCLA, NYU

  • Medical and technical editor: Harvard Medical School faculty, Broad Institute, Kirin Pharmaceuticals

Qualifications

 Teaching Style and Content

  • Theatrical: write skits, create short films, comics, storyboards, Dungeons and Dragons role playing games

  • Project-based, hands-on learning: physical skills, like yoga or fitness, or following instructions, like building furniture, cooking or science experiments

  • Composition: culturally-aware "translation" of writing skills into US academic style; admission essay editing and advising

  • Phonics for kids and adults: Jolly Phonics, Dr. Seuss, and poetry writing to improve pronunciation and reading

  • Test prep: TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, GRE, GMAT and other exams

My approach of using “species” instead of “race” in D&D.

  • PhD ABD Educational Theatre
    New York University

  • MA in Counseling Psychology
    Lesley University

  • BA in Interdisciplinary Education
    UC Santa Cruz

  • Teacher of English as a Foreign Language
    Boston Language Institute

Education

Contact

ripleyplayinggames@gmail.com

In-person lessons in West LA/Santa Monica, CA, in parks or cafes, or at your home!

Remote and virtual lessons using DnDBeyond and Foundry Virtual Tabletop!

In your email, please tell me what services you’re interested in, and whether it is for children, teenagers, a whole family, 1:1 or group adults.

All materials are provided!