After being off of work for maternity leave, I have returned and been thrust into the chaos that is Summer Reading Club.
Here is what I've been doing:
DIY Bouncy Balls
Using this recipe, I had a teen program for making bouncy balls. I found that it was easiest to pre-measure the ingredients into small plastic cups and have the kids mix their own. This way the measurements are precise. If they are not precise then the bouncy ball will not turn out as well. I had 12 people!! We talked about the importance of accuracy and how the ingredients work together to make the bouncy ball.
Self Defense
Thanks to Guardian Family Martial Arts, we had a very successful teen self defense class. The teens learned the different levels of threat, and how to appropriately respond. They were able to practice a variety of maneuvers and had a grasp of basic safety.
Pandemic
Pandemic is a cooperative game where players work together to save the world from deadly diseases. The teens had a blast working together to cure the diseases, and it was really amazing to watch them get so involved and care so much about the game. Few games have had that affect, but Pandemic made them care.
Henna
I had a local henna artist come in and apply designs and talk to the teens about henna. It was our most popular program so far! I had 12 teens sign up, and 17 show up. She was only able to take a few extra after the people who signed up, but I will definitely do this program again!
Unfortunately, I had two programs this month that were not well attended. Life Size Connect 4 had only 2 kids show up, but the sisters had fun. I had to cancel our Pilates series that was being held at a local studio because nobody showed to the first class.
I hope that my July programs have better turn outs!
Here is what I've been doing:
DIY Bouncy Balls
Using this recipe, I had a teen program for making bouncy balls. I found that it was easiest to pre-measure the ingredients into small plastic cups and have the kids mix their own. This way the measurements are precise. If they are not precise then the bouncy ball will not turn out as well. I had 12 people!! We talked about the importance of accuracy and how the ingredients work together to make the bouncy ball.
Self Defense
Thanks to Guardian Family Martial Arts, we had a very successful teen self defense class. The teens learned the different levels of threat, and how to appropriately respond. They were able to practice a variety of maneuvers and had a grasp of basic safety.
Pandemic
Pandemic is a cooperative game where players work together to save the world from deadly diseases. The teens had a blast working together to cure the diseases, and it was really amazing to watch them get so involved and care so much about the game. Few games have had that affect, but Pandemic made them care.
Henna
I had a local henna artist come in and apply designs and talk to the teens about henna. It was our most popular program so far! I had 12 teens sign up, and 17 show up. She was only able to take a few extra after the people who signed up, but I will definitely do this program again!
Unfortunately, I had two programs this month that were not well attended. Life Size Connect 4 had only 2 kids show up, but the sisters had fun. I had to cancel our Pilates series that was being held at a local studio because nobody showed to the first class.
I hope that my July programs have better turn outs!