Board Games for Positive Collaboration & Behavior Support

Update:

There were $16.30 worth of fees on Gofundme and less than $4 left after buying games and supplies for the Club. Thank you everyone for your support!

Update: I am stopping donations as I have been blessed above and beyond what I expected. I am overwhelmed by the success of this fundraiser and the friends & family who donated. I will update this with pictures once the chests/kits, dice trays, and playmats come in.

How can we build community and collaboration among students? Our school has implemented PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention & Support) programs (https://pbisca.org/elements-of-pbis). These programs teach social skills, reward positive behavior, and attempt intervention with students who are struggling socially. However, I rarely see students given the opportunity to collaborate in group activities that develop social competence and logic on a consistent basis other than the soccer field at recess.

The What:

I want to create a space during school lunch/after school to allow students the opportunity to develop strategic thinking, collaboration, and student-community building. I did research on strategy games that are accessible to 10-year-olds, but also develop critical thinking and logic. Dice Throne seems a perfect fit. I've watched some videos and read Board Game Geek reviews. Dice Throne, the company, has offered to sponsor my classroom with a chest for 8 students, but I would like to have enough for at least 20 students.

*The initial $300 will buy 16 additional kits and 12 dice trays

*Additional donations raised will buy 12 more dice trays and playmats for the kiddos to roll their dice in. I will also buy some jigsaw puzzles to leave out.

The WHY: I created a Harry Potter corner in my room and allowed students in my 5th grade class play 'traditional' board games like Connect 4/Uno and puzzles simply to build community and socialize. This was extremely positive for students who are shy/academically challenged and often ignored during lunch recess or behavior problems, which would typically manifest on the playground. I tried Beyblade & Pokémon, but these were both expensive and financially excluded many students. I want to create a consistent place for the kiddos to build community with a collaborative strategy game and puzzles that they can look forward to playing without any financial expectations.