Game On! Board Game Club
Teacher: Kessi McKenzie
School: Sullivan Village Elementary
Amount: $690.37
Category: Materials
Thank you so much LPS Foundation!! Your generosity has allowed me to start an afterschool board game club at Sullivan Village Elementary. I used the grant money to purchase a variety of board games which are being enjoyed by the students in the Game On! Board Game Club. This club meets every Tuesday from 4:00-5:00. It is comprised of over fifty 3rd-5th grade students. (I actually had so many students who wanted to join that I had to divide the them into two different groups. One group is meeting now, and I will start meeting with the other group after Spring Break.) During the Game On! Club meetings, the students are taught how to play the games and then, spend the rest of the time playing, strategizing, and enjoying. There is a lot of noise, excitement and smiles. The students discuss different strategies, and I always encourage good sportsmanship. Participation in this club helps the students learn how to follow rules, take turns and deal with winning and losing. They develop an understanding of cause and effect and learn how to improve their critical thinking skills.
As a counselor, I wanted to start this club, because playing board games can improve mental wellness. Many elementary students suffer from stress and anxiety. Hopefully, their involvement in this club will lower their stress levels and allow them to relax as they make positive connections with the other students.
So far, from what I have observed, this club has been very successful. The students look forward to Tuesday afternoons. They can’t wait to learn new games. Several of the students have asked if we can meet every afternoon. I’m loving it!!! The Game on! Board Game Club is a success! Thank you!!
The school was also able to use the purchased board games during an evening board game night with parents. We had several families attend, and it was fabulous seeing them participate in the board game fun!