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: Structure
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. Empowerment: Children as resources
2. Support: Caring Neighborhood
3. Commitment to Learning: Competencies

Example lesson

1. Commitment to Learning: Cultural Competencies

Cultural Competencies is defined as "child knows and is comfortable with people of different racial, ethnic, and cultural background and with his/her own cultural identity. In the activity "Structure," participants begin to construct teams by building structures. The participants soon begin to realize in order to build their structure they must join forces with other neighboring groups.

Welcome to the Inspire block party. All students are invited. Simply look at your group as a community with each student as your neighbor. Every student is to bring a virtual cultural dish to the block party potluck. The dish should represent the students? heritage and culture.

You may want to make this a take-home assignment with prizes awarded to those who come back the next day prepared.

To be fully prepared, students must include a background into the history of the dish, how it is traditionally made and the ingredients used to make it. Pictures and samples earn bonus points as well. Have each participant bring an index card with the recipe of their dish written on the back and name of dish and student on the front. Have the students exchange recipes and talk a little about their dishes with each other, and then share with the class.

Ask follow-up questions such as:

1. Why is it important to learn about other cultures, food and customs?
2. Did you learn anything new in this activity?
3. What did you like most about learning from others?