Relationship building through student clubs and connections
Clubs, sports, and other co-curricular or extra-curricular activities offer students many opportunities for meaningful participation. Among other things, clubs allow students to grow in leadership, project planning, and social skills. Relationship building is also one of the key outcomes of clubs and co-curricular activities.
Extra-curricular middle school programs might include:
- arts
- clubs
- science challenges such as Robotics, Odyssey of the Mind, and technology centers
project-based activities
- leadership or service opportunities
In addition, many schools offer sports, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, track, softball, flag football, or tennis.
Student clubs provide activities that help forge relationships among peers. Aside from their academic and career-preparation qualities, clubs and other co-curricular activities help students grow emotionally and socially. According to resilience research, clubs, after-school activities, and other social groups are ways to infuse the curriculum with meaningful participation.1
The 2005 California Distinguished Middle Schools Web site lists middle schools that have identified student clubs and connections as one of their signature practices.
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Footnote
1Resilience and Youth Development Module, Prepared by WestEd and the Safe and Healthy Kids Program Office. Sacramento: California Department of Education, 2002, 18.