Middle school teacher Kyle Anderson is fighting the winter blues one board game at a time.
New this year, the board game club at Grandville Middle School has 30 seventh and eighth grade student members, who stay after school to try new games with friends.
The idea for the club started with Anderson’s own memories of playing board games in middle school, as well as a fun way for students to remain occupied during the slower winter months.
“I’ve met some of the kids in this club before, but there are also a lot of new students who are really excited about this idea,” Anderson said.
The board games used during club practices are either brought from home or donated from Kent District Library. The Grandville Education Foundation approved a grant for the Middle School board game club for $250 for game materials.
The grant proposal included survey data that pointed to seventh and eighth grade students who were not involved in extracurricular activities, and who might become involved with the new club, said foundation Executive Director Krashawn Martin.
“The board was impressed by the creative non-traditional games that the club would be exposing students to,” Martin said. “The club also fosters social connections and bonds between students with a bit of friendly competition.”
Time to Play
For Katie Weiss, the board club game is a chance for her to try new games with other students who share her love for board games.
“It’s so much fun to come here,” she said. “Every time we meet it’s a fun day.”
One of Katie’s new favorite games is Exploding Kittens, a cut-throat card game introduced to her by Landon Benedict.
“This game is just so much fun, so I am excited to play it with other people,” he said. “I’ve tried a lot of new games here.”
The club was planned to run from January to spring break and was split into two sessions.
“We have snacks and drinks and just have a great time,” Anderson said. “It’s a really great chance for everyone to get to know each other.”
