Overview

Outside of physical education, do your students have opportunities to practice physical activity skills? Intramural programs and activity clubs allow students to experience a variety of physical activity and games that will contribute to an active and healthy lifestyle without the competitiveness that comes with traditional team sports.

Take Action

Developing a before/after school intramural program or activity club for students is a great way to provide resources and exposure to new sports, activities and games. It also creates a sense of belonging to the school environment, and connection with teachers and peers outside the classroom. Activities may include friendly competitions in various sports like kickball, open gym, jump rope, frisbee, capture the flag, yoga, and dance lessons, and can be based on student choice, development of specific skills or to prepare for fitness testing. When offering intramurals and activity clubs, remember:

• Discuss with school administration how to incorporate intramural programs and activity clubs at your school. Review current programs and identify gaps of activities. Questions to consider:
  • How many and what type of activities to offer?
  • What space is available to use?

• What barriers exist that may prevent students from participating?

• How will students be recruited and registered to participate?
• Who will supervise?
• When will the club be scheduled (how often, how long will each activity last)?
• Engage students to find what activities they’re interested in! Be sure to include ideas that are not just sport focused, such as open gym or fitness circuit course and fitness classes. Participation in activities and clubs should provide choice for students and should be voluntary.
• Create an inclusive physical activity environment that is both welcoming and respecting of all abilities and fitness levels.
• Once activities have been identified, establish a budget for the program and club to be successful. Consider volunteer time and donated goods and spaces. Consider applying for a grant to cover costs.
• Review the district’s policy for supervision of the activities and facility maintenance. Determine if facilities can be open to the community.
• Use school and community communication channels (websites, school newsletter, morning announcements, etc.) to promote the intramurals and clubs to students and families.

Social Emotional Health Highlights

Activities such as these help students explore…

Self-Awareness: Getting involved in extra-curriculars allows children to gain self-confidence and self-efficacy through activities that are special to them. Through this, they can explore their strengths in more depth and identify areas of growth that align with their interests.

Relationship Building: Incorporating opportunities for physical activity through team sports helps children build skills in communication, teamwork, and social engagement. Intramural programs and activity clubs teach lessons about communicating clearly and listening to others as well as working together to achieve a common goal!

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