Service Learning

I’m going the borrow Karen McMillan’s idea of beginning my post with a quote. Thanks to Karen (aka McTeach on Twitter) for tagging me for this.

Quote

“Service-learning motivates students. Suddenly there’s a connection between what the teacher is saying and the world outside the classroom.”

Senator John Glenn
My Picture

This is a picture from Pennies for Peace, an organization that is part of the Central Asia Institute. CAI was started by Greg Mortenson and Jean Hoerni and it was originally established for building and maintaining schools (particularly girls schools) in rural Pakistan and Afghanistan. Now CAI is also instrumental in establishing medical facilities, better water systems, and other things that promote the health and welfare of these rural communities in need. Greg’s journey has been documented in the best selling book Three Cups of Tea, which is a definite must-read for anyone.

Greg Mortenson is coming to our school in May as a Harold Hines Fellow (a person who gives back to others in the world) and he will be meeting and speaking with our children. The Lower School began collecting money a couple of weeks ago for Pennies for Peace and the excitement is palpable. My 3rd graders are even asking to count out the jars of change during their free choice time. Some kids are asking for donations instead of birthday gifts! To date we have collected almost $2000 and we have not finished yet.

My Passion

I have always been passionate about service learning because it is a way to teach children how to care for others, it generates understanding of other cultures, and connects the students to the world around them. My goal is to help my students become global citizens and caretakers of this planet.

Now it’s your turn! The rules are simple . . .

1. Think about what you are passionate about teaching your students.
2. Post a picture from a source like FlickrCC or Flickr Creative Commons or make/take your own that captures what YOU are most passionate about for kids to learn about…and give your picture a short title.
3. Title your blog post “Meme: Passion Quilt” and link back to this blog entry.
4. Include links to 5 folks in your professional learning network or whom you follow on Twitter/Pownce.
You’ve been tagged: I’m passing this meme onto five teachers that I’ve met face to face, through blogs, or through Twitter. Please forgive me if you’ve already been tagged:

Vicki Davis (I saw one of your presentations at IL-TCE but didn’t have time to introduce myself)

Vinnie Vrotny (my technology mentor)

Mark Ahlness (another 3rd grade teacher and inspiring blogger)

Brian Crosby (a Twitter buddy and amazing 5th grade teacher in Nevada)

Ann Oro (a Twitter buddy who teaches and blogs in New Jersey)