The start of a new school year brings fresh opportunities to engage and challenge our curious learners. If you're looking for ways to extend and support students who need more, Clubs might be exactly what you need - and it's completely FREE!
What is Clubs?
Clubs is an online learning platform where passionate Y2-10 tamariki from across Aotearoa can explore their interests alongside like-minded peers. Whether your students are fascinated by astronomy, architecture, ancient civilizations, or anything in between, Clubs provides a safe, engaging space for them to dive deep into their passions.
How Teachers are Using Clubs
We've been amazed by the creative ways teachers are integrating Clubs into their programmes. Here are some popular approaches:
In-Class Extension
When students finish their regular work early, they can engage with meaningful, high-quality activities in their chosen Club. Teachers appreciate having a ready-to-go extension option that doesn't require additional planning.
Homework Option
Some teachers offer Clubs as an alternative to standard homework, allowing students to pursue their interests while developing independent learning skills.
Designated Extension Time
Many schools allocate specific times for extension activities, whether it's a weekly "Passion Hour" or part of a gifted education programme. Clubs provides structure and content for these sessions.
Cross-Classroom Connections
Some schools are using Clubs to connect students with similar interests across different classes or year levels, creating mini communities of learners within the school.
Implementation Tips for Success
Setting up your students for success with Clubs is easy with these proven strategies:
📃Start with a Clubs Plan
Work with each student to create a simple Clubs Plan that outlines:
Which Club(s) they want to join
When they'll work on Clubs activities
What they hope to achieve
How they'll share their learning
👩🏾💻Set Clear Expectations
Help students understand:
When they can access Clubs (during class, at home, etc.)
How to participate appropriately in the online community
What to do if they need help
How to balance Clubs with other work
🌈Create Sharing Opportunities
Students love sharing their Clubs work! Consider:
Regular show-and-tell sessions
A Clubs display board in your classroom
Updates during class or team meetings
Presentations to parents or other classes
🎉Monitor and Support
Keep students engaged by:
Checking in regularly about their progress
Helping them set new goals when needed
Celebrating their achievements
Connecting them with others who share their interests
Student Success Stories
Check out the below quotes from teachers who utilising Clubs in their classroom...
🧠 Finding Like Minds
"The students loved being able to connect with others from around the motu, that had the same interests as them…They look forward to sharing their learning, and receiving comments about improvements and highlights!"
😎 Building Confidence
"The main impact is affirming the students' dreams and talents. Many of them seemed surprised and proud to have these interests acknowledged."
"The students who have been a part of the clubs group have brought back to class what they have been doing, and getting others interested in learning. It has been great for students who are neurodiverse to succeed in an area that they are passionate about."
🚀 Expanding Horizons
"It was great to watch them talk to specialists in the area that they are passionate with. It was also a pleasure to watch students have some extension in learning areas where teachers aren't capable (due to time commitments and other learning needs in the class) to push them."
"One of our students through the science club has thought about how our school needs solar panels - so is investigating solar in schools and I am working alongside him in the application!"
"In the reading, it has helped one of our students really push to create his own book - he thought that books were only made by 'real authors' not 'just kids'."
"One of our students in the arts area wants to do a whole school art exhibition. Ka rawe on helping our students work on their passions!"
Join Our Workshop!
Want to learn more about making Clubs work in your classroom? Join our FREE online workshop where we'll:
Tour the Clubs platform
Share success stories and implementation strategies
Answer your questions
Connect you with other teachers using Clubs
Workshop Details:
Date: Wednesday, 12 March
Time: 4:30-5:15pm
Platform: Google Meet
Can't make it? Register here and we'll send you the recording!
Ready to Get Started?
Sign up at https://www.neurodiversity.org.nz/clubs-for-teachers
Explore our Clubs options
Choose how you'll implement Clubs in your classroom
Share the excitement with your students!
Questions?
Contact our friendly team at clubs@neurodiversity.org.nz