The subject of the thesis was to study the impact of an educational live role-playing (larp) on children’s social development. The aim of the thesis was to study how an educational larp can be arranged for a large group of children and whether social skills and team spirit can be enhanced as a result. In addition, the study examined how larping could be integrated into schools through drama education

The thesis was commissioned by Kirkonkulma elementary school in Hämeenlinna. In order to gather material for the thesis, three larps with preparatory drama and craft workshops were arranged for three school classes of 10-year-old children.

The theoretical background of the thesis was based on theories of larping and its psychological effects, especially focusing on the development of social skills and identity. Those were reflected upon the aims of drama education and children’s developmental phase.

The main research method was observing by instructors and photography during the workshops and games. In addition, the teachers were interviewed at the beginning and the end of the process. The different classes of children were interviewed during the debrief conversations after the games.

The main result was that team spirit and social skills can be enhanced by an educational larp. During the games the children threw themselves into the social situations and adventures through their role characters, which will encourage them to do the same in everyday life. Acting the roles also breaks some prevailing social structures in the class.

This thesis can be used when developing the method of educational larp further, for example by organizing a whole-year cross-curricular project. In its current extent it can be used to prove the benefits of an educational larp as a part of primary education.