The Kids Table

Part 2 of our SXSW Edu performance: if you're a parent or educator interested in Dungeons & Dragons and similar games, this is for you! Following a D&D actual play with kids at the table, educators Ryan, Raenelle, and Allison break down some of the many benefits kids experience through playing Tabletop Roleplaying Games. 
 
The Kids Table LIVE dungeons & dragons actual play is a recording of a SXSW Edu 2026 performance by  @thekidstablednd  . "What if kids could level up their Social-Emotional Learning skills while playing a tabletop roleplaying game? Our cast of kids & grownups will perform for you a live, improvised, likely chaotic game of Dungeons & Dragons. Afterwards, our adult speakers will break down how the game you just saw fosters outcomes like empathy, communication, and confidence, and why this type of support is so critical now. You'll come away with ideas for how to integrate D&D and other TTRPGs into classroom, library, after school, or home environments." 
To follow along with our recommended questions to consider, open https://www.thekidstablednd.com/sxswedu26 in a new tab. This SXSW Edu performance was recorded at Antone's Nightclub in Austin, Texas on March 9th, 2026 and is posted with permission of  @SXSWEDU  . 

0:00 Part 2: Applying D&D for Learning
1:06 Introducing Presenters
4:04 Social-Emotional Learning in D&D
6:19 D&D is Just as Good for Kids as Sports (if not better!)
10:23 Exercising Creativity & Exploring Identity
12:49 Cycles of Inquiry
16:37 Developing Empathy & Collaboration
18:55 Classroom Example: Gold Rush
21:15 Live Game Breakdown (cut short)
23:00 Q: As a DM, how much do you prompt kid players?
26:13 Q: What tips do you have for playing with kindergarteners?
31:42 Q: How do you manage a large middle school D&D club?
35:04 Visit https://linktree.com/thekidstablednd for more!
 
#sxswedu #dndactualplay #liveshow

The Kids Table LIVE dungeons & dragons actual play is a recording of a SXSW Edu 2026 performance by  @thekidstablednd  . "What if kids could level up their Social-Emotional Learning skills while playing a tabletop roleplaying game? Our cast of kids & grownups will perform for you a live, improvised, likely chaotic game of Dungeons & Dragons. Afterwards, our adult speakers will break down how the game you just saw fosters outcomes like empathy, communication, and confidence, and why this type of support is so critical now. You'll come away with ideas for how to integrate D&D and other TTRPGs into classroom, library, after school, or home environments."
To follow along with our recommended questions to consider, open https://www.thekidstablednd.com/sxswedu26 in a new tab. This SXSW Edu performance was recorded at Antone's Nightclub in Austin, Texas on March 9th, 2026 and is posted with permission of  @SXSWEDU  . 
About us: When kids are at the table, everyone wins! Playing TTRPGs levels up kids' critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, & confidence. That's why we create our kid-inclusive D&D show, tips for playing with kids, and campaigns to bring the adventures home!
Our Kids' Adventures: Our Website
Support Our Work: Patreon
Follow Us: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok
Shoutout to our incredible partners:
Emberglow Gaming - GM Shield (affiliate, 10% off: TheKidsTable)
Monument Studios - Background Music (30% off: KIDSTABLE)
0:00 What this Show is About
01:38 What is D&D?
02:28 Setting Expectations: Three Big Rules
03:51 Player Introductions & YOU!
06:30 The Adventure Begins
08:51 Why We Roll Dice
32:33 Why We Include Puzzles
43:01 Why We Play Battles
55:16 It's Not Over
55:48 Credits
#sxswedu #dndactualplay #liveshow

In this episode of our family-friendly Dungeons & Dragons series: After days of sailing toward a looming thunderstorm, our heroes are ambushed by an unknown ship hiding in the mists! How will our adventuring landlubbers adapt to their very first battle at sea?
About us: When kids are at the table, everyone wins! Playing TTRPGs levels up kids' critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, & confidence. That's why we create our kid-inclusive D&D show, tips for playing with kids, and campaigns to bring the adventures home!
Our Kids' Adventures: Our Website
Support Our Work: Patreon
Follow Us: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok
Shoutout to our incredible partners:
Emberglow Gaming - GM Shield (affiliate, 10% off: TheKidsTable)
Monument Studios - Music (30% off: KIDSTABLE)
Ember Rest - Filmed on Location
1985 Games - Battle Maps (10% off: KIDSTABLE)
WWizard Games - Condition Rings (10% off: THEKIDSTABLEDND) 
Mordenkatie's Magnificent Minis - PC Minis (10% off: KIDSTABLE)
Daily Hero Forge - PC Mini Design

0:00 recap
0:14 the battle begins!
7:14 a mysterious figure
10:54 sophia & the god of the ocean
16:50 tempest cleric wields the storm
18:59 the god of power says hi
#dungeonsanddragons #actualplay #familyfriendly

A new chapter begins in our kid-focused Dungeons & Dragons campaign. After the Battle of the Arches, our heroes have been tasked with finding Ismiene in the hopes of ultimately defeating the evil Fuldmagt. There's only one problem - she's hidden on an unknown island amid a sea of pirates!
Links to Awesome Kids' Adventures:
"Mystery Snacks" by TTRPG Kids: BackerKit, TTRPGkids.com
"Wyrmlings: An All Ages TTRPG" by Lone Colossus Games: https://bit.ly/WyrmlingsTKT
About us: When kids are at the table, everyone wins! Playing TTRPGs levels up kids' critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, & confidence. That's why we create our kid-inclusive D&D show, tips for playing with kids, and campaigns to bring the adventures home!
Our Kids' Adventures: Our Website
Support Our Work: Patreon
Follow Us: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok
Shoutout to our incredible partners:
Emberglow Gaming - GM Shield (affiliate, 10% off: TheKidsTable)
Monument Studios - Music (30% off: KIDSTABLE)
Ember Rest - Filmed on Location
1985 Games - Battle Maps (10% off: KIDSTABLE)
WWizard Games - Condition Rings (10% off: THEKIDSTABLEDND) 
Mordenkatie's Magnificent Minis - PC Minis (10% off: KIDSTABLE)
Daily Hero Forge - PC Mini Design
0:34 Skip Intro
4:54 The Great Ship Debate
13:57 Arugon is Still Being Arugon
16:54 An Emotional Farewell
27:50 Six Weeks to Save the World
33:11 A Ship in the Mist
34:08 Next Time on The Kids Table...

#dungeonsanddragons #actualplay #familyfriendly

Allison and Ryan share tips for helping kids navigate difficult topics. Being a parent caught between hearing terrible things in the news while daily life and caretaking duties carry on can feel like emotional whiplash. Believe it or not, playing Dungeons & Dragons together can be one tool in your parenting toolbox that helps to support kids as they process and cope - and we'll share exactly how.
Links to Great Things:
Kids' Book Recommendations from Allison: "Fair Shares" by Pippa Goodhart, "Brick By Brick" by Giuliano Ferri, "All Are Welcome" by Alexandra Penfold
Books to Raise Inclusive Leaders by @MaiStoryBook: book list
"Mystery Snacks" by TTRPG Kids: BackerKit, TTRPGkids.com
"Wyrmlings: An All Ages TTRPG" by Lone Colossus Games: https://bit.ly/WyrmlingsTKT
About us: When kids are at the table, everyone wins! Playing TTRPGs levels up kids' critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, & confidence. That's why we create our kid-inclusive D&D show, tips for playing with kids, and campaigns to bring the adventures home!
Our Kids' Adventures:  Our Website
Support Our Work:  Patreon
Follow Us: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Threads
#dungeonsanddragons #parenting #copingstrategies #minnesota