Service Learning

Service Learning Gets Kids Involved-

Please read why service learning is vital to Good Shepherd.  Below is all the reasons why service learning is so effective and how our children benefit from it throughout life.  I also listed our service projects for the 2007-2008 school year. I have been the coordinator for Good Shepherd for 5 years now.  I am part of the advisory board for the Beverly Hills Unified School District, we have monthly meetings at the district office.  If you are interested in attending any meeting or have a great idea to help the community , please contact me. 

~Ms. Bhakta 

 

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Students learn about the importance of recycling programs in the classroom, and then take their knowledge into the community by teaching local businesses how to reduce the amount of waste they generate. Groups of students interview seniors on their experiences, such as life during World War II. The results of these interviews are compiled into an oral history book, presented to the seniors, and made available to the community. Other students study a local river and work with park employees to create and maintain nature trails.

Service Learning. What is it?

These scenarios are examples of service learning, a method of teaching and learning that integrates practical life experience, service to the community, and academics for students of all ages. Rather than presenting information to students in the isolated environment of a classroom, students see and experience the practical application of knowledge they have gained. While service learning strives to reinforce classroom academics, it also provides opportunities for character building and personal growth. Working within the community can teach students more about the diverse world in which we live, help them develop compassion and understanding, and provide a sense of civic responsibility.

Service learning doesn’t occur only through schools. While some service learning activities are school-based and have direct ties to curricula, other service learning activities or projects occur in local organizations like YMCAs or Boys and Girls Clubs. Regardless of the locale, all programs take a hands-on approach to learning, and use the students’ energy and enthusiasm to benefit the community.

What are the benefits?

Research shows that the benefits of service learning, through school or other organizations, are profound. In Service Learning in the Northwest Region, Jennifer Fager cites a wealth of advantages that result from participating in service learning:

 

• Increases students’ feeling of connection to their community
• Helps students develop a keener awareness of diversity
• Provides a relevant context in which students can learn skills
• Improves students’ self-esteem and confidence
• Increases motivation and an interest in learning
• Nurtures nonacademic strengths and talents
• Reinforces values such as justice, compassion, or citizenship
• Builds community support for education 

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2007-2008 Service Projects and Organizations we support 

 

September- Collecting school supplies for School of Wheels

October- Trick or Treat for UNICEF

November- Red Bucket Drive & Westside Food Bank

December-Jesse Tree & Toy Drive Good Shepherd Church

January-Book Drive-Book Ends-Recipient schools: Wilton Place & St. Gertrude

February-Sock Drive-Operation School Bell

March-Jump Rope for Heart-American Heart Association

April-”Go Green”-Beautification Day @ GS & Roxbury Park

 

Throughout the year, we write “thank you” letters, create cards, we work on speeches & come up with catchy slogans, make posters, sort collections, and organize the events.  Students really enjoy these activities. 

 

May & June we will be celebrating all of our good work.