Ideas for after school activities please

[littleoldme]

I started as a CM in Nov and now have my first after school children. I was just wondering what your routine is and what kind of actives you plan for this time of day . I have a 2 year old, 2 3 year olds and boys of 4

Hi

I'm not a CM, but we have had a couple.

What seemed to work best was offering a choice of quiet play with TV for those who were exhausted (my DD used to have a cuddle on the sofa in front of the tv with the CM's husband); outdoor play in the garden with toys for those who bounded out of school full of energy and an indoor option of a craft activity, or something similar.

I have boys of 3 & 6 and we usually go to the park with a snack if it's nice then come home, free play in the garden or indoors (train track/cars/lego / hamma beads, make a den with duvets, bouncy balls (1 ball each on the wood floor entertains them for ages!!) etc. whilst I do dinner I try & get them at the table for either homework or games/puzzles (usually frustration, shopping list or hungry hippos) but if they're really knackered I might put a bit of Cbeebies on then tea. I generally find by the end of the week they're really tired & craft projects etc get far less enthusiasm than the beginning of the week! Occasionally in the summer we might go to one if the local big parks with friends, take a ball & a picnic & stay all afternoon.

Thanks all. Think I'm going to do much simpler teas and provide table based activities, something on the garden and toys in playroom. Love the idea of the bouncy balls, that's great. I'm still feelings way so really appreciate ideas. Thanks.

As it gets towards colder evenings, I find things like a big box of lego or marble run keep mine entertained for a bit.

I ahve 6 cm kids.

Play dough is always popular. (home made without having to cook it)
Small lego
Got a selection of library books.

I do allow tv later on. Some will even fall asleep whilst watching it.

Just remembered a few other things for wet days: library (most are open later at least 1 afternoon a week) & soft play assuming you can get a CM discount.