So, our HSA (Home and School Association…called PTA in some places) runs after school clubs at our middle school, where I teach. I have always taught a class, because it’s an extra $300 for the semester. I’ve run author classes, acting classes, and various other classes. Quite a few of us run classes, so, you have to be crafty and original with what you run.
Last spring I wanted to run an author class, like I did in the fall, but two other teachers wanted to do it, too, so I backed out and ran the acting class instead. It was fun, but it was a lot of work. The clubs tend to be babysitting for families who need somewhere for their kids to be after school, and isn’t always kids who are interested in what the club actually is. When I ran a blogging class, I had two kids who said they clearly told their parents they weren’t interested in blogging, but they made them come anyway.
I was considering not teaching a class this fall and just being able to come home after school (it only runs one day a week, but still), but with DH out of work, I’m taking every opportunity to make money that I can.
So, I was thinking about running a bullet journaling class, but I’m not sure if kids would sign up for it. And if they don’t sign up, you don’t run the club. I’d love to do a board game club, but someone else usually runs one. A book club where everyone just comes and reads would be amazing, but, again, I’m not sure people would sign up to just come and read for an hour and a half after school. Sometimes, what you think will go doesn’t. My BFF ran a Harry Potter/Harry Potter LEGO club last year and no one signed up. But the Quidditch club was a big hit.
Any thoughts on fun clubs that 6, 7, or 8th graders might sign up for? I’m in a summer thinking slump and just can’t think of anything.
