kfeusse Posted October 17, 2017 Share Posted October 17, 2017 I am the library director of a small library. I want to start an afterschool program for kids once a week. I am not 100% which ages yet, but thinking grades 1-6. I have been given $250 to spend on games and activities so, I was hoping you guys can give me some suggestions. Storage is a minor issue...so nothing too large...we already own a lot of legos, so don't need those. Probably shorter games vs longer, drawn out games would be better too. Also, I don't know if I should go with tried and true games (ones most kids have played and might even own) or buy ones that they might not have been exposed to before....you know...the ones that us homeschooling families know about...but because you can't find them in a big box store, other kids may not have seen. thanks...start sending me your ideas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
school17777 Posted October 17, 2017 Share Posted October 17, 2017 Our library bought a bunch of stem items from Lakeshore Learning with a grant they got. I'd look through the Lakeshore Learning catalog to pick some things out. I'd also get Snap Circuits. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slackermom Posted October 17, 2017 Share Posted October 17, 2017 The connect-4 game seemed to be in pretty constant use at my kid's afterschool program at a K-5 school. The rules can be explained in seconds, and game play is quick. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xahm Posted October 17, 2017 Share Posted October 17, 2017 I'd do a combination of things so that there is always an option of playing something quick and easy without requiring too much thought or explanation, but also opportunity for learning something new. So as cheaply as possible buy some cheap connect 4 and memory tips of games, some decks of cards, and some classic board games (sorry and the like). Then spend the bulk of the money, and it will go fast, on the high impact items like Snap Circuits. Although, Rack-O shouldn't be too expensive and would likely be new but eau to catch on to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nancy in NH Posted October 18, 2017 Share Posted October 18, 2017 Is making noise an issue? Ever seen speed cup stacking? My kids loved it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted October 18, 2017 Share Posted October 18, 2017 We've liked games by Blue Orange Games and Gamewright Games. When you know the definite age range you should write to companies and see what they could donate. You might also be able to get a decent discount at a bookstore or specialty toy store if you want to shop in person. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterPan Posted October 18, 2017 Share Posted October 18, 2017 (edited) Our library now has a game lending library, so what you might do is get your library onboard with that overall, so that the $$$$ games don't cut into your budget, then stock your play area with thrift store finds. I would think afterschool would be a combo of snacks, homework help, and fun things to do. You'll definitely want coloring, and the library might already have the audiobooks that come with their own mp3 player thing (plug and play with headphones). So then you'd want pillows, a reading area, a popcorn machine... Our Y has an afterschool program. They have both after school care on holidays and snow days, and they have an actual program with tutors/homework help and fun things to do. If you can find a program like that, you can see how they do things. Ours is away from the Y, an in area where the kids skateboard and would naturally show up. I only saw it from a distance, but I wouldn't be surprised if there were ping pong or air hockey or such things. Edited October 18, 2017 by OhElizabeth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kfeusse Posted October 18, 2017 Author Share Posted October 18, 2017 Our library is small because our town is small...if I get 10 kids on a regular basis I would be doing really good, I think. Noise mostly likely won't be an issue because there are very few adults who come n and use our library....but I could see it being a deal once in a while. I also will have crafty type things available..but that is easier to buy...at least for me. thank you for the game ideas....keep them coming if you think of more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xahm Posted October 18, 2017 Share Posted October 18, 2017 A thought that came to me well after I read this yesterday: you may want to think about what your policy on fantasy role-playing games would be. I think they would be a lot of creative fun if you wanted to appeal to the bigger kids/teens, but depending on your local culture might get your library unwanted attention. I don't think people get as upset about Dungeons and Dragons as they once did, but you know your area. Would you have them at the library to attract older kids? Would you not stock them but allow people to bring them to play if they want? Would you ban them? Probably not an issue, but I like to have a plan, at least in the back of my mind, for problems that are reasonably likely to crop up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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