Incorporating playful and engaging activities can make learning leadership skills fun and exciting for students. Whether they’re taking charge during group games, helping out in the classroom, or teaming up on a project, students can start building the confidence and responsibility needed to become tomorrow’s leaders. So what activities are the most effective to start teaching your future leaders? Read on for the top eight leadership activities for students your school can start doing now!
One of the simplest ways to develop leadership in young students is to assign them small, manageable responsibilities in the classroom. Roles like “Line Leader”, “Calendar Manager," or “Door Holder” allow students to feel responsible for their classroom environment.
How To Do It: Create a rotating schedule of "Classroom Helpers" so each student gets a chance to lead. This gives every child the opportunity to take ownership of certain tasks, boosting their sense of responsibility and leadership.
Leadership activities for students do not always have to be focused on individual students. In fact, leadership is often about collaboration and problem-solving. Team-building activities encourage students to work together toward a common goal, teaching them communication, trust, and teamwork.
How To Do It: Try activities like "Build the Tallest Tower" using blocks or recycled materials. Divide the class into teams and challenge them to build the tallest freestanding structure in a set time frame. Afterward, discuss how the team worked together, what leadership roles emerged, and how they solved problems.
Peer mentoring is an excellent way for older elementary students to develop leadership skills while helping younger students. It also fosters empathy and responsibility.
How To Do It: Pair older students with younger "buddies" to help them with reading, math, or even social activities. The older students can act as mentors and leaders, guiding their younger peers and developing their own leadership abilities through this supportive relationship.
Leadership in group settings helps students practice decision-making, cooperation, and conflict resolution. Assigning roles within the group encourages each student to take on different aspects of leadership.
How To Do It: Assign group projects where each student has a specific leadership role, such as "Project Leader," "Timekeeper," or "Materials Manager." These roles give students the chance to lead in different ways and contribute to the success of the project.
Student-led discussions allow students to express their opinions and ideas while practicing listening, compromise, and public speaking—all key leadership skills.
How To Do It: Set aside time for "Student Talk Time," where a designated student leads a discussion on a topic of interest. Other students can contribute by asking questions or offering their thoughts. This gives the leader practice in guiding conversations and respecting others' opinions.
Service is a fundamental aspect of leadership, and young students can learn how to make a difference in their communities through simple service projects. These types of leadership activities for students teach them that leadership is about helping others and taking action to solve problems.
How To Do It: Organize a class project like creating “Kindness Cards” for a local nursing home, collecting donations for a food drive, or cleaning up the school playground. Let students take the lead in organizing and executing the project, helping them see how their actions can positively impact others.
Speaking in front of others can be intimidating, but it’s a valuable leadership skill. Giving students opportunities to present or speak builds confidence and helps them learn how to communicate their ideas effectively.
How To Do It: Host a “Show and Share” day where students present something special to the class. Whether it’s a favorite toy, a book they’ve read, or a personal story, this activity helps them practice public speaking and leadership by expressing themselves clearly and confidently.
Class meetings are a great way to foster leadership by encouraging students to take part in decision-making and share their ideas about what happens in the classroom.
How To Do It: Hold weekly class meetings where students can discuss classroom issues or plan upcoming events. Assign a different student to lead the meeting each week, giving everyone the opportunity to take on a leadership role in a structured setting.
Leadership activities for students are all about giving them the tools and opportunities to practice key skills like responsibility, communication, and empathy. By incorporating these fun, hands-on activities into the classroom, you can help your students take the first steps toward becoming future leaders!