With summer over and school back in session, there are great activities that can occur in the classroom that emphasize social responsibility.  If you don’t currently have service learning projects in your curriculum suggest one to your teacher. Service learning activities take meaningful projects and teach students real life values. Students become more aware of the needs of others while personally gaining a greater level of awareness and increase in self-esteem.

In order for teachers to prepare for a service learning activity it’s important to have a focus.  Is your class going to clean up a park, have a bake sale for the homeless, or help younger grade levels read?

Whatever your focus is, it’s important to plan ahead to have enough staff support, space, supplies, etc.

Staff- At minimum you will need a teacher or leader who supervises the volunteer activities. Depending on how large the class size is you will most likely need additional adult support.

Space- Depending on what project you are partaking in, it is important to make sure you have the right space in order to get it done and house all the equipment you need.  If this space is outside of school you will need to arrange transportation options and most likely have signed parental permission slips.

Supplies- Organize how many people will be attending your projects and make sure you have the right amount of supplies to cover the amount of people partaking.  Make sure all supplies are safe to use for the ages involved in the project.

If you need ideas, click here for teacher lesson guides from generationOn for ways to include service learning in the classroom.

For even more project ideas and examples click here for real examples from Spring Hill Highschool’s Volunteer Club curriculum.

Looking for some great afterschool activities as well? Join the volunteer club! If your school doesn’t have a volunteer club- start one!