Initial activities should involve sharing information and getting to know each other. Working on lists and answering questions together to find common ground opens the door to friendship. Have the kids answer such questions as: What are two things you value in a friend? What kind of music do you enjoy? What kinds of things make you happy? Or, if you could be anyone in the world, who would you be and why?
Students who are in a mentoring relationship to help with social problems such as bullying, dealing with anger, avoiding drugs and similar issues often find it useful to create a dramatic skit and act things out. The process of writing and performing the skit allows for discussion of important information and gives the students the ability to look at options in dealing with problems.
Working on arts and crafts projects together offer a chance to share skills and build self-esteem by creating a finished product. In a school environment a mentor and mentee could make a bulletin board based on the program they may be involved in, such as Reading Buddies and DARE, and Drug Abuse Resistance Education. Other possible activities include painting murals, working on collages, writing and illustrating a picture book or creating a journal or scrapbook.
Field trips to museums, amusement parks and sports events can provide a great way to build friendship and trust between kids in a mentoring relationship. Participating in outdoor activities like fishing, swimming, volleyball or horseback riding are other bonding activities. Physical activity offers a chance to relieve stress and share conversations in a more relaxed environment outside of school.
Service projects in a mentoring relationship teach many skills and builds positive self-esteem. Kids can plan and organize a small project involving something simple like cleaning up the playground or holding a car wash to raise money for a charity. A mentor who helps others learn the value of volunteering time to help others teaches a positive life lesson.