20 Core Values

#1 = QUALITY

We have 20 Core Values at Children's Choice. The first is quality.

We know that high QUALITY afterschool programs have strong positive effects on the academic, social and emotional development of children. We know that what children do during their out-of-school-time hours has as much influence on their success as what they do during the school day. We know that participation in high-quality afterschool programs is associated with better academic achievement, better work habits, stronger task persistence, better school attendance, better attitudes toward school, more self-confidence, stronger self-esteem, and better social skill development. We know that these benefits continue to grow even after students leave elementary school. 

Math Thumbball

You’ll need to modify a beach ball(s) for this game.  

Using a permanent marker, divide the beach ball into more sections by drawing additional lines – as many as you need depending on the size of the ball. Label each section with a different number (1-10 OR 1-12). 

Check out the video!

Windbag Wigwams

Each week in our new Fun Funky Fungineering class we give our Fungineers an engineering challenge. This week the challenge is to build a free-standing structure using "Windbags."

Here is the script for the mission and a video! Enjoy and replicate!

Greetings Fungineers!

I am Agent B.

My true identity must remain secret for reasons of national security.

We need your help.

In 1962 the world’s first successful interplanetary mission happened when the United States sent the space probe Mariner 2 to Venus.

Gargamalian Orbs

Fun, Funky, Fungineering!

Each week, in Mike's new Fungineering class, we give kids a mission - an engineering challenge. In this week's episode the "fungineers" are challenged to build a model of structure that could protect peaceful aliens (the Tranquilians) from the evil transforming orbs of the not-so-peaceful Gargamalians!

 

Here is the script for the mission...

New Tech: Prezis

Here's a cool new tech to share our story!

Swap Knots

This is one of our favorite team-building games from our workshop. This is a fun variation of the old classic Human Knot. Group up in teams of 8, 10, or 12. Give a bandanna or three-foot piece of rope to ½ the group (give a team of 12 six ropes, team of 10 five ropes and a team of 8 four ropes). Lay the ropes out in an asterisk-like shape. Players grab one end of the rope. Allow each group 6 to 8 minutes to tangle the ropes as much as possible. Two rules: players may not let go of the ropes, and may not tighten the knot by pulling on it. After completing their knot, they place the tangled ropes on the floor so the ends of the ropes can are visible. Each team moves to another team’s knot, and players grab the end of one of the ropes and the try to untangle the ropes until they are standing in pairs back in the asterisk shape.  When debriefing ask: How are we connected to each other? How can we solve problems and remain connected to each other?

Bumpity Bump Bump

Here is one of our Name Games from our popular team-building workshops. Bumpity Bump Bump Circle Up. Choose an IT.  IT goes up yo someone in the circle and says, “left,” “right,” or “yours.”  That player must say the name of the player to the right, left or their own respectively before IT says, “bumpity bump bump.”  If the player in the circle fails to say the correct name in time, they are the new IT.