Service-Learning in Waterloo Schools (Part 3)

A while ago, we posted our first article about service-learning and how the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley is helping the Waterloo community! Here is a recap of what service-learning is:

Service-learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrate meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities! Service-learning will help students develop responsibility, empower them to feel they can make a difference, increase their civic awareness, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Service-learning is wonderful because it enhances both student growth and the common good. It achieves real objectives in the community while enabling students to achieve a deeper understanding of social issues. Below is another story about how service-learning helped students learn about health issues!

Lou Henry Elementary

Fourth grade students in a talented and gifted class at Lou Henry Elementary wanted to have an impact on the lives of students at Lou Henry regarding health issues. To explore the issues, they listened to speakers from the Allen nursing school and nursing program at Hawkeye Community College. They also did some research on their own. After discussing the information gleaned, they decided to write a play about the importance of cleanliness in day to day life. They authored the play, designed scenery, collected costumes, and then presented the play to their fellow students! The students learned much about health issues and were able to teach the rest of the school!