Post the ideas you find for Service Learning with middle school students. Read the posts of your classmates and reply to at least 3 of them. Your reply should contribute to our understanding of how these ideas might be used.
The website I found was Whiteaker Middle School who had created their own webpage about service learning. Their homepage had a little bit about what exactly is service learning for those who may have not known. Then their is a link to view the projects or activites their own middle school students were partaking in. For example, the students had collected books, clothing, and other school supplies to give away to kids in Belize who are not fortunate enough to have this. Also, the Whiteaker home economics class made a lap blanket as a class and gave it to a retired lady at the local retirement home. Last, one example was of some of their middle school students going to help out a nearby elementary P.E. class. These kids may not have the opportunity to interact with older kids, and it may serve as an opportunity to look up to someone as a rolemodel. These were just a few of the ideas that this particular middle school did.
I found a website about the Pennsylvania Service-Learning Alliance and some of the service-learning projects that they have done. They have service-learning project ideas for Social Studies, Math, Science, and so much more. One of the ideas for history is having students visit nursing homes, VA hospitals or Senior Citizen centers: “Nursing Homes, VA Hospitals, and Senior Citizen centers are full of people that can make History more realistic for students in all grades! Start taking your class to visit seniors so that they can learn more about such historical events as World War II, the Korean War, and the Depression and Stock Market Crash of the 1920's. Students could also learn about fun times like the nostalgic fifties, the roaring twenties, and the sixties. Events such as the assassination of John F. Kennedy or the rise in popularity of Elvis will certainly spark the interest of students! Not only will they learn a new appreciation of history, they will become a companion to a senior in need of a friend! By writing reports or making oral presentations to the class about what they learn from interviewing the senior citizens, teachers could easily link the service the students provide with their evaluation and assessment practices!” This website has a lot of wonderful ideas for service-learning! If you would like to look at more, the website is http://paservicelearning.org/index.html To get to the project ideas: click the service-learning tab, scroll down and click service-learning resources, and then click the project ideas link.
I found a website about Michigan community service commission but, its not about community service. It goes into some interesting ideas of service learning projects. One example is Kids sew for kids with regards to an economics class and the students have to buy material to sew clothing for other kids. Another idea for service learning projects is Literacy and Civic Responsibility where kids coordinate a book drive and they donate to homeless people. Then the students organize a literacy mentoring program. They learn about roles indivuals can play in a society and,the issue s with government and how they play in every day.There was another one which I did not consider service learning because it was having to deal with worm, so i didnt include it. society.http://www.michigan.gov/mcsc/0,1607,7-137-8148_11542-63017--,00.html
This website offers ideas for projects, resources, and a manual for teachers about service learning. The examples are countless and are great ideas. The website has much more than just that to offer. One of the ideas that I liked, granted there were many, was an alternative school for at-risk students helped rebuild their community in Syracuse, New York by planting and maintaining a flower and vegtable garden. Students learned about domestic violence, racism, gender issues, etc.
This websites shows us what Ogden Community School District does in order to allow students to participate in Service Learning. It explains what students in grades 5-8 do in order to help out in the community. Over the past two years, Leone Junck has offered Service Learning to students."Fifth graders have focused on water testing for the state’s Department of Natural Resources at an area wetland.Sixth graders paired up with “buddies” at a nursing home in Ogden, planning activities to share with their buddies, ranging from one-on-one games to a talent show. With the assistance of a local judge, eighth graders undertook a project on drinking and driving, presenting a mock trial on the topic to middle school students.Other projects have included a play on bike safety, recording books on tape for children in a rehabilitation center, and writing songs to teach the multiplication tables." Most of the students that have participated with these projects are the "Gifted and Talented." This does not mean that other students in this grade level can't participate in these types of projects. These are great ways to help out in the community.
I found an intriguing idea coming out of Grapevine, Texas. Students learn to become Junior Earthworks Composting experts while supporting the environment and teaching others at the same time. Fourth and fifth graders learn how to transform leaves , grass, and scrap into useful compost through a four hour training class, then they spend an additional four hours communicating their new knowledge to a parent or neighbor while helping them create a yard compost pile of their own. I thought this idea was unique because not only are students learning about the historic value of responsible earth-care, but they’re able to teach others and reflect on that as well.
I found a great idea from Maryland. It's called the Peer Buddy Project. In this project students were asked to help out at a nearby school that serves students with disablities. These students were willing to give up some of their school day and free time to hang out with the students, tutor them, read with them, organize field trips, guest speakers, etc. This was a great idea because these students, once they are through with school, will be living in the same community as these peers with disabilities. Not only will they have built relationships and know how to help them, but they will become advocates for their peers.
This particular website addresses some of the issues that are encountered when considering service learning in rural areas. A common theme for their solution is to bring the community to the school. They also "examined the concept of community and concluded that a school is a community unto itself." By subscribing to this understand, students can focus their service on the needs of their school.
This website gives an in depth description of what service learning is and how it is used to benefit the school and community. It also describes how service learning is different from community service or an internship. The website also has multiple examples of service learning. Each example is for a different subject. Examples, history, reading and writing, science, even a service learning project for a foreign language class. The different examples of service learning is what I like because it shows how service learning can be used in every class, not just social studies.
The biggest point this website made was that service learning must be student led. Nothing is manipulated by adults. They said "youth voice is crucial". I completely agree. I think we need to give students the CHOICE to decide where to serve, let THEM brainstorm how to serve, and so on. This will allow for more personal connection as well as letting them gain skills: talking about problems, how to fix them, etc.
The website said that service learning ((in it's best form)) allows for change for BOTH the recipient and provider. I love this fact. One, the class is able to make a differnce in the community, in whatever specific way that is. BUT, your students will be impacted as well. They will learn to look for the needs of others and figure out how to meet them. I believe it will give them a heart for others. Hopefully this will stir them to serve the community in the future on their own. :)
this is a response to Cheryl's post. this looks like a great website! It would be a great idea to do the garden planting thing in Lubbock because people are always complaining about the greenery in this town and it would also teach kids the valuable lessons you mentioned in your post.I think kids would really love to help make their school or their neighborhood/community more beautiful while also learning about volunteering. What a great find!
Upon looking up service learning on google, I came across this really helpful website called the National Service-Learning Clearinghouse. It is a site where teachers, K-12, can go and get ideas for all kinds of service learning programs, activities, and projects. There is one item that caught my attention and it is called the Martin Luther King Day of Service Toolkit. The description of the product says, "his toolkit is intended to provide ideas for projects for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, help individuals/organizations plan and run a successful service event, connect with partners, promote their project to the media and the public, and manage volunteers effectively." I think this would be a great tool to use in the class room with my students because it is something that we can do at our own school by ourselves, and it gives us the necessary tools to do so.
this is a response to Kelly Connor's post it is so great that the school has it's own website about service learning. That way, people can really understand what it is and get some great ideas for volunteering themselves. It is also nice to see examples that the school has done as well as pictures. I am thinking of volunteering there myself. great post!
This is a reply to what Erin Rainey said. I thought the ideas she found were really bright and very good examples of what kids can do to become active citizens in their local community. I especially liked the idea of kids sew for kids. This would be a fun and not so expensive project that kids can work on as a class. Each student could have a different section that represents their individuality, and then combine it all to show what they have done as a class. It was a really cool idea.
This a response to what Lindsey said. I think that the Martin Luther King Jr. toolkit was a great idea. This way, like she had said, the tools would be provided for you. This means that you as a class would not have to go out and buy anything; it would all be given to you so that you have the necessary tools to help someone else out.
This is a response to what Lauren Nicole said. I thought the point she made was very important. Service learning must be student led and that their voice was the biggest part when discussing this. Adults cannot make all the decisions. When kids do something that is done all by themselves, it gives them a bigger sense of accomplishment and pride for their own actions.
This is a response to Kconner. The fact that these students are giving to other students is just amazing. I can see how this would be beneficial to the students giving as well as those who are receiving in Belize. Even the small things like being a rolemodel to other students and making a blanket for someone is a great way to help others and make them feel special.
This is a response to Caitlin McCuaig. This is SUCH a great idea. It's something selfless that a person can do in order to help others. I helped with Special Olympics in high school, and it's so rewarding. I'm sure those with special needs would really enjoy someone reading to them and helping them. I really liked this idea.
In respone to Andy's comment. This website was really cool. It gave several ideas for each subject. Each project was in detail and told us what to expect from these types of projects. I love that it integrated service learning within each subject so it's beneficial to what your learning. A lot of these ideas seemed great because it is allowing the students to participate in something helpful. Therefore, they are doing something great as well as accomplishing something.
In response to Tori's post, I think the idea of visting a nursing home for a history service learning project is absolutely great! I know I would personally benefit from hearing stories from their lives. It would be quite eyeopening and historical to talk with an elder!
It is important to let the kids have a voice. In your classroom, have an idea box where students can put their ideas secretly and every Friday the class can vote!
I found a website from Ripon Community College. This website basically gives a service learning project idea for each subject. There are ideas in alphabetical order from Anthropology to Theater. I believe this website will come in handy for all of us "future educators" to use in the classroom. The good thing about this website, students of all ages can do these things. Very simple and useful ideas.
this is a response to Laurens post. I looked at the website and I agree with everything she said. All of the ideas for projects are very simple and very useful.
this is a response to Cheryl's post. I looked over the website provided and I thought the manual was very useful. There were many ideas, I did not get a chance to look at them all, however the projects I looked at were very good ones.
this is a response to Tori's post. I also looked at that website while doing my research. I liked this website and almost posted a blog about it myself until I saw that she had already posted it. This website has some great ideas.
I think it is just super encouraging to hear what Whiteaker Middle School has done for those both inside and outside the community. It just confirms that service learning CAN work and it is completely beneficial to those they help and the students themselves. I can't wait to have this in my classroom as well. :)
I like the idea of bringing the community to the classroom. This would provide more time for the students since the school is not having to take them to the community.
Response to Lauren: i totally agree that we should give our student the ability to chose a service learning project. Everything is better if it is not being forced upon you.
This is in Response to Andy's: I find it interesting that Statefarm has information about Service Learning Projects and how it goes into detail of what exactly service learning projects are. I really like how it goes into different subjects of service learning projects.
This is a response to Lauren's: I like the how the website expresses how important student voice is in service learning. Putting the responsibility on them to move the project forward is the best thing about this service learning
This is in response to Kelly Connor's : I really like how the students made the webpage and, i really like the idea that the website gives the service learning activities that they are currently partaking in.How cute is the lap blanket for the old lady, I really like when young children do super nice things for old ladies and men.
This is a response to Kaylee's: Bringing service learning to the rural community is awesome. There are not as many opportunities for service learning in a small town so any ideas are helpful.
This is a response to Cheryl's: It was a good website because not many people would think of doing service learning for at risk teens. The flower garden is a unique way of teaching kids about all those life lessons.
This website is from the Corporation for National and Community Service. It is called Learn and Serva America, and it gives ideas for service learning projects for teachers, students, and parents. They also provide grant support for school and community partnerships. With this kind of support, there should be no reason more schools can't participate in service learning projects.
I like that the website has a resource tab for many service-learning ideas!! So helpful.
Also, I like that she mentioned that service learning is applicable for ALL subjects. What a good reminder that we can use this strategy in various subjects besides just social studies!!
What a great website!! I think it's wonderful that it gives ideas for service for teachers, parents, AND STUDENTS alike. Helpful.
But what I find the best about this website is what info Brynna found. I think it's wildly encouraging that they ((Corporation for National and Community Service)) will provide grants. I completely agree... if we, as teachers, are able to get support, we have NO excuse to not allow for our students to have opportunities to serve. So great. Let's do it.
When I was in high school and middle school, I participated in PALS, which sounds a lot like this. We would go to an elementary school in our town and hang out with a struggling student for an hour a week, and it was one of the most rewarding things I did while in high school.
I think that this website should be very helpful. I can see how it would be very difficult to think of service learning ideas in some subjects, so having a list of examples would make it much easier.
I think that having alternative school students participate in service learning is a fantastic idea. I guess that the regular schools that these students attended didn't challenge or interest them enough to keep them out of trouble in school. Maybe by providing them with an opportunity to give back to the community will help keep them out of trouble.
This a website that has several links to books that puts service learning projects into words that the students can easily understand. They also have several ideas that are listed for feel. Most of the ideas are geared toward younger children, but could easily be adapted to fit the needs of 4-6th grade students.
Lindsey-National Service-Learning Clearinghouse sounds like a very helpful website to find great service learning ideas. It seems that there are a lot of really interesting ideas/ Lauren- I love that you mentioned that your website website said that service learning in it's best form allows for change for BOTH the recipient and provider. I think that this is one of the most important things for us as educators to keep in mind. Brooke- I really liked that your website had the links for ideas for all different subjects and topics. That makes accessing the projects super handy.
Kaylee-I completely agree with the ideas of bringing the service to the school. I grew up in an extremely small town of about 650 people, and the community absolutely revolved around the goings on of the school. Without the school, the community would fail, and I feel that it's important for the students to see what type of impact they can have not only on their school, but what that impact can have on the community.
Lindsey-Thanks for this website! I can see one of the discouragements I will face is not having the resources, ideas or time to set up a service learning project, but I can tell that this site will help tremendously with taking the stress out of things. I think the hardest thing will be coming up with effective ideas.
Lauren-I completely agree with it being student led. I feel that there will be so much more ownership if the student's believe they have a say in what they do. I also agree with the fact that it will impact both the student and the recipient. Especially with it being student led, I think the students will come away with a large realization of the benefits.
I found this website by searching google. It is a great starting point for creating a service learning project. It tells exactly what a service learning project is and what it entails. It gives a list of resources you could use to make a project. It also has a link that takes you to examples of service learning projects. It gives ideas for each grade level from kindergarden to 12th grade. This site would be great to use as a teacher to find ideas and learn the true meaning of a service project. http://www.goodcharacter.com/SERVICE/service.html
Lynn- I like the idea of a website explaining what a service learning project is to students in words that they can understand. I think this will help them realize how important they are and what they are doing really does help and matter.
Brooke- That sounds like a great website! I agree with you that I think we will all be able to refer to website at some point. It has lots of great ideas
Lauren- I agree it should be the students choice. When they make that choice it sparks a major interest. I think that it might work out better letting the students pick what thye would like to work on. I really liked the website and the fact that it was student focused.
Kelly- I loved the buddy program through a nursing home! What a great lesson for both the students and their buddies. Bridging that generation gap is a priceless and cherished lesson in respect and honor!
Lynn- Providing literature on the topic, I feel, is crucial. Not only will it get kids reading but will allow them to see examples and come up with their own projects and ideas, especially if we are teaching inferencing skills!
Lauren- It was overwhelming to see the work so many schools and communities put into these websites, but a student-led theme was missing almost across the board. I hope this belief will stick as we encounter the struggles to let go of control of the classroom and even how administration, parents, and other teachers will react to that idea.
This is the website I found. One idea that I really liked was the Neighborhood heroes projects that students had come up with. They wanted to honor local town heroes.
"To prepare, the youths took a bus tour of their ethnically diverse neighborhood, heard folk stories retold by local residents, and wrote their own stories. The students then interviewed local heroes and compiled those interviews into a book. They honored the local heroes at an awards banquet and gave readings of the book at their school. The book was then donated to a local resource center. To reflect on their work, each student wrote both an essay on why we need heroes and also an evaluation of the project. The class celebrated their success with a gathering that included community-building activities and food from their cultural heritages."
Response to Brooke. This website has 57 great ideas already categorized by appropriate theme. They allow for flexibility on the Teacher’s part also because they are simple “idea starters.”
Jordan – Good site containing a solid list of resources and comprehensive overview of what Service Learning is, including tons of examples from a wide age range.
Cheryl – I like the idea of involving at-risk students. This keeps them busy, off the streets, and provides a lens for them to see hope for anyone with similar struggles. Also, it may teach the value of hard work to someone who’s never known it.
Food Distribution Food pantries and soup kitchens often have a difficult time stocking fresh and nutritious food. Healthy food is cost-prohibitive; according to a New York Times grocery store comparison, 1,000 calories of nutritious food averages at $18.16, while 1000 calories of junk foods costs just $1.76. Fresh food also has a much shorter shelf life than prepared food.
To help your students understand the challenges of eating healthily on a low income, have them spend a few hours distributing food at a food pantry or soup kitchen. Afterward, spend time with them talking about the types of food they handed out. Ask them about the nutritional content and how the food they distributed rates with good nutritional habits. Discuss how nutritional deficiencies keep poor people from finding jobs or staying warm.
lynn- i loved yours becuase its not just one resource but many! thats really helpful!
htysor- i found that one too and thought it was an awsome idea, plus its one that can be easily twiked.
brynnaw- i had alot of friends in high school who were apart of that and they said they loved it and that it was really rewrding and a lot of fun, so i think its something that should definitly be continued!
The website I found was Whiteaker Middle School who had created their own webpage about service learning. Their homepage had a little bit about what exactly is service learning for those who may have not known. Then their is a link to view the projects or activites their own middle school students were partaking in. For example, the students had collected books, clothing, and other school supplies to give away to kids in Belize who are not fortunate enough to have this. Also, the Whiteaker home economics class made a lap blanket as a class and gave it to a retired lady at the local retirement home. Last, one example was of some of their middle school students going to help out a nearby elementary P.E. class. These kids may not have the opportunity to interact with older kids, and it may serve as an opportunity to look up to someone as a rolemodel. These were just a few of the ideas that this particular middle school did.
ReplyDeleteI found a website about the Pennsylvania Service-Learning Alliance and some of the service-learning projects that they have done. They have service-learning project ideas for Social Studies, Math, Science, and so much more.
ReplyDeleteOne of the ideas for history is having students visit nursing homes, VA hospitals or Senior Citizen centers:
“Nursing Homes, VA Hospitals, and Senior Citizen centers are full of people that can make History more realistic for students in all grades! Start taking your class to visit seniors so that they can learn more about such historical events as World War II, the Korean War, and the Depression and Stock Market Crash of the 1920's. Students could also learn about fun times like the nostalgic fifties, the roaring twenties, and the sixties. Events such as the assassination of John F. Kennedy or the rise in popularity of Elvis will certainly spark the interest of students! Not only will they learn a new appreciation of history, they will become a companion to a senior in need of a friend! By writing reports or making oral presentations to the class about what they learn from interviewing the senior citizens, teachers could easily link the service the students provide with their evaluation and assessment practices!”
This website has a lot of wonderful ideas for service-learning! If you would like to look at more, the website is http://paservicelearning.org/index.html
To get to the project ideas: click the service-learning tab, scroll down and click service-learning resources, and then click the project ideas link.
I found a website about Michigan community service commission but, its not about community service. It goes into some interesting ideas of service learning projects. One example is Kids sew for kids with regards to an economics class and the students have to buy material to sew clothing for other kids. Another idea for service learning projects is Literacy and Civic Responsibility where kids coordinate a book drive and they donate to homeless people. Then the students organize a literacy mentoring program. They learn about roles indivuals can play in a society and,the issue s with government and how they play in every day.There was another one which I did not consider service learning because it was having to deal with worm, so i didnt include it.
ReplyDeletesociety.http://www.michigan.gov/mcsc/0,1607,7-137-8148_11542-63017--,00.html
http://www.goodcharacter.com/SERVICE/service.html
ReplyDeleteThis website offers ideas for projects, resources, and a manual for teachers about service learning. The examples are countless and are great ideas. The website has much more than just that to offer. One of the ideas that I liked, granted there were many, was an alternative school for at-risk students helped rebuild their community in Syracuse, New York by planting and maintaining a flower and vegtable garden. Students learned about domestic violence, racism, gender issues, etc.
http://www.nationalservice.gov/for_individuals/current/stories_detail.asp?tbl_stories_id=33
ReplyDeleteThis websites shows us what Ogden Community School District does in order to allow students to participate in Service Learning. It explains what students in grades 5-8 do in order to help out in the community. Over the past two years, Leone Junck has offered Service Learning to students."Fifth graders have focused on water testing for the state’s Department of Natural Resources at an area wetland.Sixth graders paired up with “buddies” at a nursing home in Ogden, planning activities to share with their buddies, ranging from one-on-one games to a talent show. With the assistance of a local judge, eighth graders undertook a project on drinking and driving, presenting a mock trial on the topic to middle school students.Other projects have included a play on bike safety, recording books on tape for children in a rehabilitation center, and writing songs to teach the multiplication tables." Most of the students that have participated with these projects are the "Gifted and Talented." This does not mean that other students in this grade level can't participate in these types of projects. These are great ways to help out in the community.
I found an intriguing idea coming out of Grapevine, Texas. Students learn to become Junior Earthworks Composting experts while supporting the environment and teaching others at the same time. Fourth and fifth graders learn how to transform leaves , grass, and scrap into useful compost through a four hour training class, then they spend an additional four hours communicating their new knowledge to a parent or neighbor while helping them create a yard compost pile of their own. I thought this idea was unique because not only are students learning about the historic value of responsible earth-care, but they’re able to teach others and reflect on that as well.
ReplyDelete- Matt W
I found a great idea from Maryland. It's called the Peer Buddy Project. In this project students were asked to help out at a nearby school that serves students with disablities. These students were willing to give up some of their school day and free time to hang out with the students, tutor them, read with them, organize field trips, guest speakers, etc. This was a great idea because these students, once they are through with school, will be living in the same community as these peers with disabilities. Not only will they have built relationships and know how to help them, but they will become advocates for their peers.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.paservicelearning.org/Project_Ideas/Rural.htm
ReplyDeleteThis particular website addresses some of the issues that are encountered when considering service learning in rural areas. A common theme for their solution is to bring the community to the school. They also "examined the concept of community and concluded that a school is a community unto itself." By subscribing to this understand, students can focus their service on the needs of their school.
http://www.statefarm.com/about/part_spos/community/ed_excel/servlrng.asp
ReplyDeleteThis website gives an in depth description of what service learning is and how it is used to benefit the school and community. It also describes how service learning is different from community service or an internship. The website also has multiple examples of service learning. Each example is for a different subject. Examples, history, reading and writing, science, even a service learning project for a foreign language class. The different examples of service learning is what I like because it shows how service learning can be used in every class, not just social studies.
-Andy
http://www.freechild.org/servicelearning.htm
ReplyDeleteThe biggest point this website made was that service learning must be student led. Nothing is manipulated by adults. They said "youth voice is crucial". I completely agree. I think we need to give students the CHOICE to decide where to serve, let THEM brainstorm how to serve, and so on. This will allow for more personal connection as well as letting them gain skills: talking about problems, how to fix them, etc.
The website said that service learning ((in it's best form)) allows for change for BOTH the recipient and provider. I love this fact. One, the class is able to make a differnce in the community, in whatever specific way that is. BUT, your students will be impacted as well. They will learn to look for the needs of others and figure out how to meet them. I believe it will give them a heart for others. Hopefully this will stir them to serve the community in the future on their own. :)
-lauren
this is a response to Cheryl's post.
ReplyDeletethis looks like a great website! It would be a great idea to do the garden planting thing in Lubbock because people are always complaining about the greenery in this town and it would also teach kids the valuable lessons you mentioned in your post.I think kids would really love to help make their school or their neighborhood/community more beautiful while also learning about volunteering. What a great find!
posted by katie gardner
Upon looking up service learning on google, I came across this really helpful website called the National Service-Learning Clearinghouse. It is a site where teachers, K-12, can go and get ideas for all kinds of service learning programs, activities, and projects. There is one item that caught my attention and it is called the Martin Luther King Day of Service Toolkit. The description of the product says, "his toolkit is intended to provide ideas for projects for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, help individuals/organizations plan and run a successful service event, connect with partners, promote their project to the media and the public, and manage volunteers effectively." I think this would be a great tool to use in the class room with my students because it is something that we can do at our own school by ourselves, and it gives us the necessary tools to do so.
ReplyDeletethis is a response to Kelly Connor's post
ReplyDeleteit is so great that the school has it's own website about service learning. That way, people can really understand what it is and get some great ideas for volunteering themselves. It is also nice to see examples that the school has done as well as pictures. I am thinking of volunteering there myself. great post!
posted by katie gardner
This is a reply to what Erin Rainey said. I thought the ideas she found were really bright and very good examples of what kids can do to become active citizens in their local community. I especially liked the idea of kids sew for kids. This would be a fun and not so expensive project that kids can work on as a class. Each student could have a different section that represents their individuality, and then combine it all to show what they have done as a class. It was a really cool idea.
ReplyDeleteThis a response to what Lindsey said. I think that the Martin Luther King Jr. toolkit was a great idea. This way, like she had said, the tools would be provided for you. This means that you as a class would not have to go out and buy anything; it would all be given to you so that you have the necessary tools to help someone else out.
ReplyDeleteThis is a response to what Lauren Nicole said. I thought the point she made was very important. Service learning must be student led and that their voice was the biggest part when discussing this. Adults cannot make all the decisions. When kids do something that is done all by themselves, it gives them a bigger sense of accomplishment and pride for their own actions.
ReplyDeleteThis is a response to Kconner. The fact that these students are giving to other students is just amazing. I can see how this would be beneficial to the students giving as well as those who are receiving in Belize. Even the small things like being a rolemodel to other students and making a blanket for someone is a great way to help others and make them feel special.
ReplyDeleteThis is a response to Caitlin McCuaig. This is SUCH a great idea. It's something selfless that a person can do in order to help others. I helped with Special Olympics in high school, and it's so rewarding. I'm sure those with special needs would really enjoy someone reading to them and helping them. I really liked this idea.
ReplyDeleteIn respone to Andy's comment. This website was really cool. It gave several ideas for each subject. Each project was in detail and told us what to expect from these types of projects. I love that it integrated service learning within each subject so it's beneficial to what your learning. A lot of these ideas seemed great because it is allowing the students to participate in something helpful. Therefore, they are doing something great as well as accomplishing something.
ReplyDeleteThis is a response to Andy's comment, the website was really informative and gave great examples for every subject!
ReplyDeleteIn response to Tori's post, I think the idea of visting a nursing home for a history service learning project is absolutely great! I know I would personally benefit from hearing stories from their lives. It would be quite eyeopening and historical to talk with an elder!
ReplyDeleteIt is important to let the kids have a voice. In your classroom, have an idea box where students can put their ideas secretly and every Friday the class can vote!
ReplyDeleteI found a website from Ripon Community College. This website basically gives a service learning project idea for each subject. There are ideas in alphabetical order from Anthropology to Theater. I believe this website will come in handy for all of us "future educators" to use in the classroom. The good thing about this website, students of all ages can do these things. Very simple and useful ideas.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ripon.edu/offices_resources/oce/ServiceLearningProjectIdeas.htm
this is a response to Laurens post. I looked at the website and I agree with everything she said. All of the ideas for projects are very simple and very useful.
ReplyDeletethis is a response to Cheryl's post. I looked over the website provided and I thought the manual was very useful. There were many ideas, I did not get a chance to look at them all, however the projects I looked at were very good ones.
ReplyDeletethis is a response to Tori's post. I also looked at that website while doing my research. I liked this website and almost posted a blog about it myself until I saw that she had already posted it. This website has some great ideas.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Kelly's post:
ReplyDeleteI think it is just super encouraging to hear what Whiteaker Middle School has done for those both inside and outside the community. It just confirms that service learning CAN work and it is completely beneficial to those they help and the students themselves. I can't wait to have this in my classroom as well. :)
-lauren wright
Response to Andy:
ReplyDeleteI liked the website you picked out. There were many great ideas. Nice find.
Response to Kaylee:
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of bringing the community to the classroom. This would provide more time for the students since the school is not having to take them to the community.
Response to Lauren:
ReplyDeletei totally agree that we should give our student the ability to chose a service learning project. Everything is better if it is not being forced upon you.
Good job so far on this blog!
ReplyDeleteThis is in Response to Andy's:
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that Statefarm has information about Service Learning Projects and how it goes into detail of what exactly service learning projects are. I really like how it goes into different subjects of service learning projects.
This is a response to Lauren's:
ReplyDeleteI like the how the website expresses how important student voice is in service learning. Putting the responsibility on them to move the project forward is the best thing about this service learning
This is in response to Kelly Connor's :
ReplyDeleteI really like how the students made the webpage and, i really like the idea that the website gives the service learning activities that they are currently partaking in.How cute is the lap blanket for the old lady, I really like when young children do super nice things for old ladies and men.
This is a response to Kaylee's:
ReplyDeleteBringing service learning to the rural community is awesome. There are not as many opportunities for service learning in a small town so any ideas are helpful.
This is a response to Cheryl's:
ReplyDeleteIt was a good website because not many people would think of doing service learning for at risk teens. The flower garden is a unique way of teaching kids about all those life lessons.
http://www.learnandserve.gov/for_organizations/how/index.asp
ReplyDeleteThis website is from the Corporation for National and Community Service. It is called Learn and Serva America, and it gives ideas for service learning projects for teachers, students, and parents. They also provide grant support for school and community partnerships. With this kind of support, there should be no reason more schools can't participate in service learning projects.
In response to Tori's comment:
ReplyDeleteI like that the website has a resource tab for many service-learning ideas!! So helpful.
Also, I like that she mentioned that service learning is applicable for ALL subjects. What a good reminder that we can use this strategy in various subjects besides just social studies!!
-lauren
In response to Brynna's comment:
ReplyDeleteWhat a great website!! I think it's wonderful that it gives ideas for service for teachers, parents, AND STUDENTS alike. Helpful.
But what I find the best about this website is what info Brynna found. I think it's wildly encouraging that they ((Corporation for National and Community Service)) will provide grants. I completely agree... if we, as teachers, are able to get support, we have NO excuse to not allow for our students to have opportunities to serve. So great. Let's do it.
-lauren
This is a response to Caitlin's comment
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in high school and middle school, I participated in PALS, which sounds a lot like this. We would go to an elementary school in our town and hang out with a struggling student for an hour a week, and it was one of the most rewarding things I did while in high school.
This is a response to Brooke's comment:
ReplyDeleteI think that this website should be very helpful. I can see how it would be very difficult to think of service learning ideas in some subjects, so having a list of examples would make it much easier.
Kell T,
ReplyDeleteI like your community service learning. It is good for kids to get out in their areas and leran something that benefits them and others.
Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteI like how your service learning reached out to at-risk teens. I think somethimes we end up teaching the "safe" kids stuff they all ready know.
This is a response to Cheryl's comment:
ReplyDeleteI think that having alternative school students participate in service learning is a fantastic idea. I guess that the regular schools that these students attended didn't challenge or interest them enough to keep them out of trouble in school. Maybe by providing them with an opportunity to give back to the community will help keep them out of trouble.
http://www.freespirit.com/catalog/item_detail.cfm?ITEM_ID=229
ReplyDeleteThis a website that has several links to books that puts service learning projects into words that the students can easily understand. They also have several ideas that are listed for feel. Most of the ideas are geared toward younger children, but could easily be adapted to fit the needs of 4-6th grade students.
Lindsey-National Service-Learning Clearinghouse sounds like a very helpful website to find great service learning ideas. It seems that there are a lot of really interesting ideas/
ReplyDeleteLauren- I love that you mentioned that your website website said that service learning in it's best form allows for change for BOTH the recipient and provider. I think that this is one of the most important things for us as educators to keep in mind.
Brooke- I really liked that your website had the links for ideas for all different subjects and topics. That makes accessing the projects super handy.
Kaylee-I completely agree with the ideas of bringing the service to the school. I grew up in an extremely small town of about 650 people, and the community absolutely revolved around the goings on of the school. Without the school, the community would fail, and I feel that it's important for the students to see what type of impact they can have not only on their school, but what that impact can have on the community.
ReplyDeleteLindsey-Thanks for this website! I can see one of the discouragements I will face is not having the resources, ideas or time to set up a service learning project, but I can tell that this site will help tremendously with taking the stress out of things. I think the hardest thing will be coming up with effective ideas.
Lauren-I completely agree with it being student led. I feel that there will be so much more ownership if the student's believe they have a say in what they do. I also agree with the fact that it will impact both the student and the recipient. Especially with it being student led, I think the students will come away with a large realization of the benefits.
I found this website by searching google. It is a great starting point for creating a service learning project. It tells exactly what a service learning project is and what it entails. It gives a list of resources you could use to make a project. It also has a link that takes you to examples of service learning projects. It gives ideas for each grade level from kindergarden to 12th grade. This site would be great to use as a teacher to find ideas and learn the true meaning of a service project.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.goodcharacter.com/SERVICE/service.html
Lynn- I like the idea of a website explaining what a service learning project is to students in words that they can understand. I think this will help them realize how important they are and what they are doing really does help and matter.
ReplyDeleteBrooke- That sounds like a great website! I agree with you that I think we will all be able to refer to website at some point. It has lots of great ideas
Lauren- I agree it should be the students choice. When they make that choice it sparks a major interest. I think that it might work out better letting the students pick what thye would like to work on. I really liked the website and the fact that it was student focused.
Kelly- I loved the buddy program through a nursing home! What a great lesson for both the students and their buddies. Bridging that generation gap is a priceless and cherished lesson in respect and honor!
ReplyDeleteLynn- Providing literature on the topic, I feel, is crucial. Not only will it get kids reading but will allow them to see examples and come up with their own projects and ideas, especially if we are teaching inferencing skills!
Lauren- It was overwhelming to see the work so many schools and communities put into these websites, but a student-led theme was missing almost across the board. I hope this belief will stick as we encounter the struggles to let go of control of the classroom and even how administration, parents, and other teachers will react to that idea.
http://www.nylc.org/objects/DiscoverSL/MiddleSchoolProjects.pdf
ReplyDeleteThis is the website I found. One idea that I really liked was the Neighborhood heroes projects that students had come up with. They wanted to honor local town heroes.
"To prepare, the
youths took a bus tour of their ethnically diverse neighborhood, heard folk stories retold by local residents,
and wrote their own stories. The students then interviewed local heroes and compiled those interviews into a
book. They honored the local heroes at an awards banquet and gave readings of the book at their school.
The book was then donated to a local resource center.
To reflect on their work, each student wrote both an essay on why we need heroes and also an evaluation of
the project. The class celebrated their success with a gathering that included community-building activities
and food from their cultural heritages."
Response to Brooke.
ReplyDeleteThis website has 57 great ideas already categorized by appropriate theme. They allow for flexibility on the Teacher’s part also because they are simple “idea starters.”
Jordan – Good site containing a solid list of resources and comprehensive overview of what Service Learning is, including tons of examples from a wide age range.
ReplyDeleteCheryl – I like the idea of involving at-risk students. This keeps them busy, off the streets, and provides a lens for them to see hope for anyone with similar struggles. Also, it may teach the value of hard work to someone who’s never known it.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteFood Distribution
ReplyDeleteFood pantries and soup kitchens often have a difficult time stocking fresh and nutritious food. Healthy food is cost-prohibitive; according to a New York Times grocery store comparison, 1,000 calories of nutritious food averages at $18.16, while 1000 calories of junk foods costs just $1.76. Fresh food also has a much shorter shelf life than prepared food.
To help your students understand the challenges of eating healthily on a low income, have them spend a few hours distributing food at a food pantry or soup kitchen. Afterward, spend time with them talking about the types of food they handed out. Ask them about the nutritional content and how the food they distributed rates with good nutritional habits. Discuss how nutritional deficiencies keep poor people from finding jobs or staying warm.
lynn- i loved yours becuase its not just one resource but many! thats really helpful!
ReplyDeletehtysor- i found that one too and thought it was an awsome idea, plus its one that can be easily twiked.
brynnaw- i had alot of friends in high school who were apart of that and they said they loved it and that it was really rewrding and a lot of fun, so i think its something that should definitly be continued!