After school ideas?

[Captainladder]

Childminder to afterschool aged mindees Reception age through to year 5... mix of boys and girls. Wondering what anyone else does with thier afterschoolers? I live close to the school so 3 days a week there is an afternoon club to pick up from as well. We basically do free play, a bit of Wii, snack time... bit of craft... and always a film and popcorn on Fridays! Just looking for a few fresh ideas if anyone has any?!

Would you feel comfortable doing some cooking with them? Nothing complicated - maybe bread? You could get then involved in weighing ingredients, kneading etc...

Our wonderful cm does about the same as you - heavy on the outdoor free play with a bit of craft or TV when they're tired.

One of the reasons I prefer our cm to a nursery is that the dc can chill out a bit after school. They are there quite long hours so I think it would be a bit much to do doing stimulating activities all the time.

Thanks for your ideas... I've talked to the kiddies about what they'd like too and baking was suggested so will try and fit that in once a week if possible. Adding a few more garden toys to the mix too.

I always try and do something with my mindees after school, whether it be baking, a specific craft, a trip to the park or local aquarium, or something like that. We get home at 15:30, spend 45 minutes doing said activity and then they are expected to either watch TV, go to the playroom or play outside for another 45mins whilst I cook dinner, lay the table, clear up after the activity or whatever so that dinner can be ready for 17:00. If they want to, the over 5s are always welcome to help cook dinner or lay the table.
Works pretty well for us, and 45 mins seems to be the perfect amount of time so you don't hear the dreaded 'I'm bored'.

Reported this one too user

I can't see why this would have been hidden/investigated.

Am I being naive?

Was a troll