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| "Rights in a democracy must
always be balanced with social responsibilities." (Landau and
Gathercoal, 1999)
In 1996 under the leadership of the elementary principal and a fifth grade teacher, a service learning component was woven into the fabric of the PLS Elementary Citizenship Program. The objectives of the Iowa Service Learning Partnership actively reinforce the basic goals of the PLS Citizenship Program. Classroom teachers and special area teachers integrated various service learning projects into their respective curriculums. Many of these projects are highlighted during the monthly citizenship assemblies. Service learning experiences have included: first and second graders working on playground clean up and maintenance; third and eighth graders planning a school-wide public awareness week to stop smoking with the American Cancer Society; third graders establishing the PLS Bakery, a school-wide baking project with their profits going toward needed causes; fifth graders tape recording children's books and delivering them to local doctors, dentists, and hospital waiting rooms; and fourth graders participating in the Jump Rope for Heart project sponsored by the American Heart Association. Service learning enhances the students' curriculum by stretching the walls of the classrooms into communities both far and near. These experiences also foster a sense of responsibility and compassion for others. Each month, the students at Price Laboratory School focus on a citizenship theme. For the month of December 2003, CARING was our theme. The students in fifth grade adopted a family from the Cedar Valley for the holiday season. Nonperishable items and gifts were brought into the classroom for our family. In addition, the students were allowed to bring a small monetary donation. This money was put towards a shopping trip to the grocery store to purchase perishable items for the family. The class was divided into groups that represented the food groups. They brainstormed foods that fit within that group and was perishable. They were given an allotted amount of money to spend on our trip to the store. The results of the project were heartwarming. The students really experienced the true meaning of caring for others.
To find out more about this service project and to see more pictures click here!
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For more information contact: |
