Walking onto a school playground can be a wonderful experience. You will see children busy interacting with one another, playing ball, climbing on the playground equipment or running around. You may also see one or two children alone, not quite sure how to fit in to the various activities surrounding them; perhaps none of the activities interest them. Unfortunately, sometimes a child does not join in because he feels disliked or unwanted. Or perhaps he is a shy child, wanting to be a part of the group, but not quite sure how to join in.

I have seen these scenarios played out at each of the elementary schools my children have attended. One solution for children who feel uncomfortable joining in with their peers is an organized lunch or recess program. I have seen a few of these programs in action. One school called it, "The Lunch Bunch" while another called it, "The Wagon Wheel Social Club." Regardless of the name, they have the same purpose: to help include the shy, uninvolved child who sits on the edge of the social scene.

The Wagon Wheel Social Club began with a couple of moms who had children with disabilities. They wanted to provide a setting where their children, as well as any other child on the playground, could participate in fun lunch time activities. Board games were purchased by the PTA; blankets were contributed by parents from the school. Flyers were sent home inviting all of the children at the school to be a part of the Social Club. The big day came and the blankets were laid out. Many children came to participate. The children chose a game, sat on a blanket and played with new friends for their whole lunch time. Many of the children who otherwise sat alone came over to play and meet new friends. The children with disabilities also participated with their peers. It was such a hit that it was continued throughout the whole school year. It seems that several of the children just needed a place to go and feel included. This is an easy way to help include every child at your school site. It didn't cost a lot of money and it took very little time. The Social Club only met once a week, but with more PTA volunteers, it could be expanded.

A simple project can make a big difference in the lives of some otherwise lonely children. If you would like more information on organizing a lunchtime club, please contact me at the email address shown above.