Service Learning Curriculum:
Side Projects for Youth Involvement on Build Day
What is service learning?
“Service learning is education in action.” -Senator John Glenn
Service learning is a teaching method that combines academic instruction, meaningful service, and critical reflective thinking to enhance student learning and civic responsibility.
While service learning is coordinated with an educational or community-service program, it differs from straight community service in two major ways: 1) the service activity is integrated into an academic curriculum or education components of the community-service program, and 2) students engage in structured reflection of their service experiences and apply their learning in real-life activities.
An effective service learning project will empower youth to apply critical thinking skills to help meet needs in their own communities. Ultimately, service learning activities teach civic responsibility and can cultivate life-long civic engagement.
How does service learning relate to the goals of KaBOOM!?
KaBOOM! strives to increase the integration of children and teens into the planning and implementation of community-built playspace projects from Design Day through Build Day and beyond. The KaBOOM! community-build model instills confidence and creativity in the community, empowering and inspiring citizens to continue working to create positive change in their communities. These impacts should extend to children as well, as they are equally important members of a community and the service learning plan deliberately integrates children into the process.
How can you use the KaBOOM! service learning curriculum?
The curriculum includes lesson plans that parallel the activities that will be undertaken by the playground planning committee. The lesson plans are meant as a guide and can certainly be modified to meet the needs and desires of your students and the community.
Youth Service Learning Projects
1 x 1 Murals
Community Gardens
Landmark Direction Posts
Map Painting
Mural Painting