Last week we got a burst of spring during Electives, with sunshine, blue skies, and a lot of activity all around campus. Baseball bats cracked on the upper field, Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” blasted around the Gaga pit, and wood shavings floated to the ground in the back field as student’s carved spoons and talked. Some students learned line dancing choreography, while another group watched tense scenes from the movie Apollo 13. Another group propagated plants, and another danced off some energy before diving into Spanish bingo while still another group learned how to tie life-saving knots.

“What I love about Electives,” said Mercedes, “is that we can be spontaneous and responsive to what students want to do – and to their ideas and feelings. We can stick to our topic but modify as we go.” Roger echoed the same appreciation: “It’s just a great feeling to see them bring joy and enthusiasm, and that really shapes what can happen. It’s like an evolving process with them.” Since Electives are multi-grade, students also experience different social dynamics. “When they see that a classmate is interested in something they are curious about,” said Roger, “it’s an invitation to learn more about that topic, but also a possibility for a new connection.”

Electives are also a chance for middle schoolers to practice making choices based in their own interests and needs. While it’s tempting to choose a class based on what your closest friends are choosing, we encourage students to follow their interests, be willing to try something new, and trust that new connections await. We also remind them Electives are a great way to get more of what you need: whether a student craves movement, quiet focus, or fresh air, they can choose accordingly and feel empowered in that choice. Click here to read more about what Electives do for middle schoolers.

Below are a few scenes of Elective fun from last week.