Clubs for Elementary School Students

From field trips and retreats to special assemblies and holiday celebrations, children should enjoy an enriching classroom experience, both during the school day and after school. These memorable events and enrichment programs make learning fun and build a sense of community among students. Here are twenty ideas for elementary school clubs, ranging from standard to out of the box.

1. Culture club. This is a multicultural association for students. At meetings, members can share their cultures and ethnicities and discuss current topics about diversity. Activities could include book discussions, round-table talks, and presentations to broaden the discussion of diversity school. Members could also present multicultural topics at school assemblies.

2. Book club. Students in similar grade levels could meet once a month during lunch to discuss the book of the month. Consider taking book suggestions from the students.

3. Club for change. These clubs originate to create awareness of those in need around the world, and encourage students to do whatever we can to help. The goal is to make a positive change in the lives of those suffering, to heighten global awareness and to make our world a better place.

4. After-school adventures. Students in all grades are invited to join in a variety of academic, sports, and arts clubs through an after-school enrichment program where the activities are a different surprise each day. This is a great club for children who enjoy spontaneity and have a wide variety of interests.

5. Drama club. In Drama Club, students will learn some of the basics of stage presence, practice acting skills, and assist in making props and sets for a play. They can perform skits or plays in front of their schoolmates and parents during the school year, either at assemblies or shows. There is a place for the natural actor/actress AND the shy (behind the scenes) drama lover in this club.

6. Maker club. Students work through the engineering design process to find solutions to fun problems. Activities range from how to make the stickiest slime to which reindeer antler design will hold the most candy canes.

7. Math club. Students can become a Mathlete through membership in the Math Club. Students get together before and after school to work in groups and solve Math Club challenges. Select students could even be invited to represent the school during competitions.

8. Newspaper club. Students can join in the creation of a school newspaper published at intervals throughout the school year. Students can conduct interviews, take photos, write articles, and design the layout of this special newspaper.

9. Student council. Students can provide leadership through action in their roles in this club. Elections for the offices of president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer often take place. Monthly student council meetings are a time for representatives to bring student ideas and concerns to the student council. The student council also helps in a variety of leadership roles throughout the year.

10. Yearbook club. Photographers and editors discover and explore their passions while learning the ropes of the school yearbook. Yearbook club will help reinforce writing and social skills. It requires a great deal of writing and time, but it is a positive experience. Students will work with a teacher advisor to determine a theme and layout for the yearbook and they will also be involved with taking pictures that will be used in the yearbook.

11. Lego club. Calling all builders! Lego Club is an introduction to building through guided activities. Students will complete build challenges individually and with groups. Challenges will include pencil holders, bridges, robots and so much more! Do you have what it takes to become a master builder?

12. Yoga club. This playful club encourages self-expression as well as building social skills. Children will strengthen their bodies as they learn how to focus through breathing and relaxation techniques. Kids can sing, draw, and play yoga in this energy releasing club. It’s filled with games, songs, stories, imaginative play, and activities that engage children and give them the tools to feel calmer, happier, and more peaceful inside.

13. Science club. Are you always asking the questions “how” and “why”? Science clubs seek young scientists to discover the universe. Students will have the opportunity to gain a perspective of our galaxy and pinpoint our beautiful Planet Earth. Topics covered could include outer space, earth science, living things, and caring for the planet. Students could have the opportunity to gain hands-on experiences and even meet real scientists.

14. Dance club. Calling all dancers! Does your child enjoy busting a move and want to show off your dance skills? Do you want to learn different dance styles throughout time? Well, Dance Club is the place to be. If this club is popular, consider having two clubs of differing skill levels.

15. STEAM club. Science + Technology + Engineering + ART + Math = STEAM! Students in these clubs will explore problem solving and creative thinking with planned projects and open-ended activities. STEAM clubs look great on private school and university applications later in life.

16. Gardening club. Come grow with us in the gardening club! In this club, students can learn about the fascinating world of plants through hands-on activities. They will work together to plant, research, observe, and even eat in their own little garden.

17. Sports clubs. Promote and develop interest in a particular sport or physical activity based on recreational, instructional, competitive, or a combination of these types of activities (jump rope, soccer, volleyball, basketball, hockey, games, etc.) Students will utilize motor skills, cooperation, coordination, endurance, and critical thinking skills through interactive games and sport drills.

18. Running club. Students will learn the importance of stretching before and after any physical activity as well as the importance of proper hydration every day. Students will also learn how to pace themselves while running, how to set and work towards goals, as well as how to work as a team.

19. Chess club. These clubs are designed to give kids an opportunity to learn the game of chess, improve their chess skills, and to enjoy competing against their peers. Novice players will be taught the basic rules, the value of pieces, and how to checkmate. More experienced players will learn different opening and defense strategies, various tactics, and will be given the opportunity to challenge themselves by solving chess puzzles. While students will have the chance to measure their progress through wins and losses against their peers, the focus should be on encouraging good sportsmanship and on having fun.

20. Life skills club. This would be a club where students focus on organizational skills and simple tasks that they will need to use in their everyday life. They can work on executive functioning skills through hands-on activities that can be implemented into weekly routines, both in an educational environment and at home.

Allison Green
Boston Tutoring Services