{"id":28430,"date":"2021-02-01T15:47:55","date_gmt":"2021-02-01T19:47:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tiie.w3.uvm.edu\/blog\/?p=28430"},"modified":"2021-02-01T15:47:55","modified_gmt":"2021-02-01T19:47:55","slug":"3-ways-to-build-in-service-learning-during-the-pandemic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tiie.w3.uvm.edu\/blog\/3-ways-to-build-in-service-learning-during-the-pandemic\/","title":{"rendered":"Service learning (during a pandemic)"},"content":{"rendered":"

This year, I am hearing that many teachers feel they aren\u2019t practicing the kind of teaching they believe in as much as they are used to and want to. They are stretched thin with all of the protocols and decisions and shifting situations the pandemic brings. That personalized learning, and service learning, feel further away than ever. And believe me, I get it.<\/span>\u00a0I feel that too on a daily basis. <\/span><\/p>\n

But like most things, small, doable, meaningful changes and steps can bring more purpose and connection to students at a time when they really need it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While I dream of lofty and large service learning projects<\/a>, I know that this is likely not happening right now, at least not in the ways I have led them before, and written about them. As encompassing, integrated, field and community based projects. These, in large measure, aren\u2019t really happening right now. <\/span><\/p>\n

But what IS happening right now are ways students can use both their passions and interests to connect to others and create moments of meaning, purpose, and service. <\/span><\/p>\n

Here are a few ideas for how to create these kinds of moments with our students.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. What is the pandemic version of a beloved service or connection experience for students?<\/h3>\n

For us? It was Reading Buddies.\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

\"pandemic<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reading buddies are older students reading with younger students. <\/span><\/p>\n

This simple idea is quite profound. <\/span><\/p>\n

One, it models a love of reading, reading skills and comprehension, and deep connection between younger and older students. Older students see themselves as leaders, as readers, and as important role models for younger students. This can reframe their relationship with reading and how they see themselves.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Obviously, students can\u2019t sit closely together around a picture book right now. So a tweak was first, older students making cards for younger students, then waving and introducing themselves in a whole class online meeting.<\/span><\/p>\n

The younger students selected a stack of books they were interested in reading, and their teacher sent them down. <\/span><\/p>\n

Next session, students did one-on-one hangout calls to read aloud to their younger buddies. My students spread out in the hallways and read book after book after book.<\/span><\/p>\n

They were practicing reading fluency, oral communication skills, but more importantly, they felt purposeful and connected. And kindergarteners are just dang adorable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How could you tweak something that was already great in the before times for this moment? <\/span><\/p>\n

Or, borrow this reading buddy idea! It is fairly simple to set up and organize!<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Design a Weekly Connection Experience<\/h3>\n

We know everyone is feeling very isolated right now. We have winter. And we have this pandemic. And for many students, they are doing either some or all virtual learning. <\/span><\/p>\n

Setting up a simple weekly connection activity for students to complete is one way to offer service and connection.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ideally, this list of connection activities could be brainstormed at a morning meeting or during teacher advisory time. Weekly connection experiences are designed to connect students to purpose and meaning, but be very simple and doable.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ideas include but are not limited to:<\/span><\/h4>\n