The following social extensions are connected to the Search Institute's 40 Developmental Assets which are described as "concrete, common sense, positive experiences and qualities essential to raising successful young people."

We encourage you to explore more about the Search Institute, the 40 developmental assets and the supporting research here .

Social Extension: Drawbridge
Although many of the 40 developmental assets are addressed in this activity, certain assets make a stronger connection to the material than others. Below you will find our top picks for opening solid, valuable conversations with your students.

Key Assets

1. Support: Positive Family Communication
2. Social Competencies: Planning and Decision Making
3. Positive Identity: Sense of Purpose

Example Lesson

1. Positive Identity: Sense of Purpose

Having a sense of purpose with others can be defined as where "The Child sometimes thinks about what life means and whether there is a purpose for her or his life." Drawbridge focuses on building a community around trust and celebrating the idea of teamwork. Everyone's input is essential when it comes to strategically conquering this challenge, and with a small tweak you can open a powerful conversation around sense of purpose.

When you introduce Drawbridge, begin by asking each student to think of one thing they want to achieve, or one thing they are absolutely driven "I want an X-Box 360," and "a million dollars" comments and into something a bit more valuable. As we are wrapping this extension around "sense of purpose" we are trying to draw out what really matters to the students in your program.

Once this is done, ask your students to imagine that you have just taken those ideas and trapped them in the ball in the center of the circle. They are safe for now, but they sit precariously just above the black hole of "doubt." Ask your students if and how doubt can play a roll in getting between them and their goals. Has it ever before?

Your students must work hard, using what they have and being creative to get what is important to them (another great conversation opener).

After the activity, ask if anyone would like to share their goal with the group, and open the conversation. As an outcome, you should strive to get each student to make a verbal statement about what motivates and drive him or her, and support that response. Tease out the purpose, or what makes each student "tick" and they will be more connected to that purpose than before.