World-Building and Role-Playing with AI

Role-playing and world-building activities tap into the transformative power of imagination, allowing students to explore alternate realities, build empathy, and engage deeply with their learning. As J.R.R. Tolkien once wrote, “Fantasy is escapist, and that is its glory. If a soldier is imprisoned by the enemy, don't we consider it his duty to escape?” Fantasy is not just about escaping reality—it is a way to imagine new possibilities, develop resilience, and discover alternative ways of thinking. Through play, students experiment with identities, emotions, and challenges, fostering creativity that shapes who they are.

Scientific research underscores the importance of imagination and play for cognitive and emotional development. Lev Vygotsky observed that “in play, a child always behaves beyond his average age, above his daily behavior; in play it is as though he were a head taller than himself” (Vygotsky, 1978). These imaginative activities enable students to try on different roles, develop problem-solving skills, and grow socially and emotionally. On this page, you’ll find resources for AI-enhanced games and activities I’ve developed—rabbit holes of my personal fixations, designed to create unforgettable moments. My goal is for students to leave thinking, “I will never have another class like this again” (hopefully in a good way). These moments aim to stick with students, fostering pride in themselves and in the school they belong to.

I am not perfect, and I have 100,000 tasks to juggle. AI helps me bring my ideas to life—it draws when I can't, solidifies an art style when I need clarity, and fills in outlines I hadn’t yet imagined. It bridges the gap between my vision and reality, letting me focus on the creative heart of the work. Should I wish to publish or charge for any of this content, I would absolutely seek out human artists to collaborate with. But for now, as free teaching content made on my own time, this seems like both a practical and ethical route.