Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to apply library skills to explore and understand tabletop role-playing games.

Materials and Prep

• Library card (if available)
• Access to a computer or tablet with internet
• Paper and pencil

No prior knowledge or experience is required for this lesson.

Activities

1. Introduction to Tabletop Role-Playing Games

   Discuss with the student what tabletop role-playing games are and why they are fun. Show examples of different role-playing games, such as Dungeons & Dragons, and explain that these games allow players to imagine themselves as characters in a story.

2. Library Catalog Search

   Guide the student to use the library catalog (either online or physical) to search for books about tabletop role-playing games. Encourage them to use keywords like "role-playing games," "fantasy," or "adventure" to find relevant materials. If available, show them how to limit the search to books suitable for first-grade readers.

3. Book Selection and Reading

   Help the student choose a book that interests them and is appropriate for their reading level. Encourage them to read the book independently or with assistance. If they prefer, you can also read the book together and discuss the story and illustrations.

4. Character Creation

   Guide the student to create their own tabletop role-playing game character. Discuss different character traits, such as race, class, and abilities. Encourage them to be creative and imagine what their character would look like and what kind of adventures they would go on.

5. Writing a Short Adventure

   Ask the student to write a short adventure story featuring their character. Provide them with a prompt or ask them to come up with their own storyline. Assist them in organizing their ideas and writing a beginning, middle, and end for their adventure.

First Grade Talking Points

• "Today, we are going to learn about tabletop role-playing games."
• "Tabletop role-playing games are games where you imagine yourself as a character in a story."
• "We can find books about tabletop role-playing games in the library."
• "Let's search the library catalog to find books about role-playing games. We can use keywords like 'role-playing games,' 'fantasy,' or 'adventure'."
• "Choose a book that you find interesting and is suitable for your reading level."
• "After reading the book, we will create our own character for a role-playing game. We can decide what our character looks like and what kind of adventures they have."
• "Finally, we will write a short adventure story featuring our character. We will think about a beginning, middle, and end for our story."