Children learn about state-specific biomes and design/create their very own Pokémon using various craft supplies. Afterward, there is a Pokémon scavenger hunt.
Advanced Planning
There isn't much advanced planning needed for this program. The biggest thing is that you will want to have books on current Pokémon, animal drawing and biomes available for children to look through and check out.
I also cut out paper gym badges, laminated them and glued a safety pin to the back to hand out as scavenger-hunt prizes. This was rather time-consuming, but could be skipped.
Marketing
We promoted the program with flyers in the library and on the library's online event calendar.
Budgeting
Air dry clay is the most expensive part of this program. We bought two 5lb tubs of air dry clay, which are about $10 each. You could also use other craft materials you have on hand if you are looking to cut costs.
Day-of-event Activity
On the day, only one staff member is needed, unless you know you will have very large numbers. Teen volunteers would easily be able to assist with this program.
I started by giving a brief overview of what a biome is and making comparisons to Minecraft. Pokémon also has different biomes in the more recent games (Scarlet and Violet). Then I gave examples of our state-specific biomes (we live in Minnesota, so there are four). I asked the children to give me examples of different animals that live in each biome. We also covered the different characteristics of the biomes.
Next, I had the children think about what area their Pokémon would live in based on its characteristics. Then they filled out a creation sheet I made.
When the children were done creating their Pokémon and filling out the creation sheet, they then made a 3D model of it out of air dry clay. As the event was ending, or the children finished, there was a scavenger hunt sheet to complete. Children who completed the scavenger hunt got a gym badge.
Program Execution
The first time I ran this program, I did it as a drop-in, expecting about 25 kids. Actual attendance was 40.
My plan for the second time I ran it was that if too many children showed up and there wasn’t enough clay for everyone, they would create a Pokémon card/draw a larger version of their Pokémon, or create a badge out of clay. We had to reschedule this one last minute, so attendance was not a problem. Nine kids still showed up.
Advice
Make sure each child creates their Pokémon on a paper plate so they can easily take it home. This also helps with clean up. If children have a sensory avoidance of clay, they can create a trading card instead.
Don't recreate the wheel. Your state's Department of Natural Resources probably has a lot of great, kid-friendly information about biomes you can use. Minnesota's has a coloring page, which I definitely used.
Less is more when it comes to air dry clay. Children don't need a ton of clay to start with and you can always give them more later.
The children all had a blast. Be prepared to hear A LOT about all things Pokémon. Some kids will tell you about their favorite existing Pokémon and others will tell you about the one they just created. A few of the kids even staged a battle (à la the trading-game style) between their new creations.
Supporting Materials
Slideshow Images
More Programs
Paper Squishy Pals
Audiences:
Dragon Eggs
Audiences:
