It was hot, there were bugs, and we got dirty but it sure was fun. Everybody pitched in and we accomplished a lot of work today. To us it was no big deal but it definitely did not go unappreciated. I felt valued and productive today. Having our students do this kind of work would probably bring them the same kinds of feelings. However, they are not the ones we need to convince to do this kind of service learning project. Students would probably jump at the chance to get out of the classroom to do so some hands on learning. So to be able to do this with our students we need to show the powers that be that this is important and beneficial.
My idea to do this is get them out there. Now that sounds a little crazy but it might work. The first step in accomplishing the goal is to first get the teachers out and working. If the majority of the teachers have experienced the fun and learning we got to do today then you have a community of voices asking for opportunities like this. The next step is to just get the principal on board. They are the stepping stone between you and the higher administration. Once the staff and principal are on board then the higher powers can be addressed. However, if you work in a bigger district then get a few of the schools on board. If you can just get a few of the members of the administration out in the community helping, experiencing what we felt today then they might give it credit. If they feel the kids are learning then it will not be questioned when you are making lessons around this type of experience.
Also without their approval this type of learning is not going to take place, because there is no money. I know that we have no money to pay for buses and our school is not in walking distance to anywhere. Grants can help but hopefully if the administration approves then money can be budgeted yearly.
Great idea getting staff and teachers to get on board first! You are probably right...kiddos are excited to help and would have no problem "lending a hand" wherever needed.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your idea :)
Nice post, Breanna-
ReplyDeleteIf you could tie learning out of the classroom to standards it would most likely get approved by the school board. We just have to be creative and maybe beg for the trip, but I too agree that funding is the issue. Within our community sometimes local businesses will foot the bill. I've heard that money is set aside for things like that, some banks give money to teachers. Last year we wanted to go on a nature hike and were told if we can find the money for busing,we could go. We ended up asking parents for a couple of bucks, it was a last option. We got to go look at native plant species. It was fun, not quite service learning, but it was learning still the same.
This is one reason why I got the School Bus endorsement on my license. Especially in my small district, it makes it much easier to get a bus when you can drive it and donate your time. The only cost to the district is diesel. Of course in a bigger district like yours, it is more complicated... and you can probably ignore everything I just posted :)
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