Service-Learning is a form of experiential learning where students apply academic knowledge and critical thinking skills to address genuine community needs.
-Pamela and James Toole, 1994
Simply put, Service Learning is gaining skills, knowledge, and understanding through providing a service to the community and making connections. This can be done in school or out of school. This means YOU can foster Service Learning in your kids. It is another way to take more control of the education of your students.
Participating in Service Learning provides an opportunity to connect to something outside of yourself. In providing the service, Students are able to practice empathy and look at the world in a different way. They are able to
question
make mistakes
lead
work as a team
fail and recover
make a real difference
There are an infinite amount of opportunities for this type of learning. It can arguably have a greater impact than other popular extracurricular activities such as sports and clubs.
Here is how to maximize the impact of Service-Learning for your student.
Find a project or cause that your student connects with. The more familiarity or appreciation they have for a particular topic or project, the more success they may find in it. Many students (and adults) believe they know everything there is to know about the subjects they study and care about it. One thing to learn is that there is always something to learn!
Be willing to put the time in with them. This does not mean you are expected to spend the hours of service as well. Simply be sure to provide support in the manner of rides, training, encourage learning and ask questions. Simply put, take an interest in it.
Connect your student with others who participate. Help them form social relationships, a comradery. These relationships keep the connections and learning to grow.
Be flexible. Your student may want to switch things up as they learn or invest more time in. While this may be a challenge for a family to provide the time and support for this, it is important as it allows for growth!
Where can my student participate?
Find out what your student is into. What do they care about, and know that you are not bound by facilities and program availability and rules. There are a number of ways o provide service learning on your own. Here are just a few examples. Get creative.
read to senior citizens, younger kids or pets.
community beautification, trash pick up.
drives, canned food, books, animal food…ect
fundraising
rock painting
adopt an animal
The possibilities are endless. Research causes your student is into and find ways to get involved. You can make it a family affair as well!
If you have any questions or need support in this endeavor, feel free to reach out.