I have compiled a comprehensive after school club theme list using every letter of the alphabet. Stay tuned for upcoming reviews, strategies, and lesson plans for implementing these ideas! Just for fun I have placed an *asterisks next to clubs I have seen in action and **double-asterisks next to clubs that have been written about here at After School Club Ideas. Continue reading “After School Club Ideas: A to Z”
Category: Club Themes
Start up a Chess Club
I have found a great resource for starting your own chess club at this link: http://www.rockfordchess.org/clubs/starting.htm
I loved the table where they discussed “Optimal” vs. “realistic” playing conditions. The school I work at certainly falls under the latter column. Granted, starting a chess club in an after-school program will be challenging but if you persevere it is likely to be a very rewarding and fun experience for the children (bonus: parents will appreciate it too!)
Adding to Harry Potter Club: Make your own butterbeer!
Have you heard of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Florida? This amusement park brings the experiences of the Harry Potter Book series to life! I asked a friend of mine who was able to visit about it and he absolutely loved it! Most importantly I wanted to know — what does the butterbeer taste like?? I wanted to find out if I could reproduce it.
Thanks to a little inspiration from friends and work colleagues, here is a recipe to “make your own butter beer.”
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup cream soda
- butterscotch syrup
Directions: Put a scoop of ice cream in a cup. Add cream soda. Drizzle with butterscotch syrup. Enjoy!
This would be a fun special event if you happen to host a Harry Potter Club or reading club. Continue reading “Adding to Harry Potter Club: Make your own butterbeer!”
Magic Club
Children love learning magic tricks. I can always tell when a new magic trick is being passed around at school because a handful of excited children will all show me the trick on the same day! Why not capture that magic and excitement by offering up a Magic Club?
Here are some ideas:
1) The Bubble Game, from Creative Kids at Home
What child would not want to be encased in a giant bubble? (ok even as an adult I would want to do this.) Really adorable idea!!! And very doable in the after school setting.
Supplies needed: bubble solution, hula hoop, small stool, & hula hoop
2) Learn Magic tricks– Here is a link to activity village with some great magic trick videos.
- Use the wax crayon to write secret messages on white paper.
- Use watercolor paint to reveal the secret message ~ like magic!
Supplies needed: clear wax crayons from Easter Egg Kits, white paper, watercolors, paintbrushes.
4) Special Event- Have a special visitor “magician” put on a Magic Show or demonstration for the students.
Hope you have a bippity boppity magically teriffic time with your magic club!
Pond Life Club
Recommended Ages: 5-7
Do you remember spending time at the pond when you were young (or something that resembled a pond)? I can recall observing the tadpoles and getting bit by mosquitoes — yikes! But I always had a ball!
Here are several ideas for hosting a Pond Life Club with your kids!
All About Bugs Club
Recommended ages: 5-9
Spring time is such a beautiful time for kids observe the world around them. Whether they are buzzing in the air or crawling around in the dirt. I’m sure your kids have noticed a bug or two outside. “All About Bugs” Club is a neat way to teach kids more about Bugs.
Cooking Club In After School Setting
Thus
Cooking Club is a very popular after school club choice. Let’s be frank, if eating food is involved children will suddenly become more interested! But Cooking Club is a choice, not without its complications such as:
1) Many child care centers have limited kitchen access or only have access to a microwave/refrigerator which makes it difficult to “cook” any food.
2) Safety can become a concern with hot surfaces & knives. Using plastic utensils and active supervision is crucial
3) Cooking Club can easily become junk food club. Try to balance by offering a good mix of treats and healthy options! Continue reading “Cooking Club In After School Setting”
