Incorporating service learning in school helps form a well-rounded curriculum for students. Giving children a chance to lend a helping hand in their local community, service learning opportunities teach the value of supporting others while driving students’ internal emotional and intellectual growth.
At St. Timothy’s School, we incorporate service learning in our pre-kindergarten through middle school curriculum. From volunteering at local food banks to collecting essential items for the underserved, our students learn the importance and impact of service through participating in hands-on charitable activities. Read below to learn more about the benefits of service learning in school.
Strengthens Students’ Social-Emotional Skills
Service learning offers ample opportunities for students’ social-emotional development. In helping their community, young learners can reflect on their acts and make connections between their efforts and charitable impact. In doing so, students develop valuable social-emotional skills like empathy, effective communication, decision-making, and other value-based behaviors. At St. Timothy’s School, our service learning opportunities broaden students’ perspectives and teach them about the meaning of their work. Through our various annual service projects, our students create concrete and meaningful connections that further develop their social-emotional skill set.
Prepares Students For The Workplace
The hands-on aspect of service learning opportunities teaches students transferable skills and concepts. Breaking out of the traditional academic mold, service learning opportunities allow students to bring concepts to life and acquire skills that will last long beyond their school years. For example, rather than reading about the importance of philanthropy in the classroom, students can participate in real-life philanthropic efforts and see their direct impact. Positive learning experiences like these allow children to apply interdisciplinary concepts and solve complex problems – two skills that can be used beyond their educational years and into the workplace.
Exposes Students To New Environments
Students can always benefit from experiencing new environments, particularly those that broaden their perspectives. Getting students outside of the classroom and into the real world allows them to understand the complexities of their community and broaden their horizons. This meaningful exposure enables students to foster a new sense of responsibility and agency as they learn more about the world around them. As a result, students also can discover a newfound appreciation for diversity as they volunteer alongside individuals of all different cultures, circumstances, and backgrounds.
Teaches Students About Their Community
Service learning allows students to better understand their community and build impactful relationships. As students contribute to valuable charitable causes, they can learn more about important figures and initiatives in their community that align with their school’s mission and values. At St. Timothy’s School, we aim to nurture a community of academic excellence that instills the knowledge, skills, and values for a purposeful life. Our immersive service learning opportunities embody this sentiment, exposing students to value-based philanthropic causes.
Offers Opportunity For Collaboration
Collaboration is a significant pillar of service learning. As students join their peers, teachers, and other community members to lend a helping hand, they develop foundational teamwork skills. These collaborative efforts help students become more assertive communicators as they learn new ways to work together toward one common goal. Whether assembling care packages for military troops or packing meals for the underserved, students experience unique collaborative activities when working together to give back to their community.
Private Education at St. Timothy’s School
St. Timothy’s School is a private school in Raleigh, NC, that lays the groundwork for students to give back to their communities. Our team emphasizes the importance and impact of service learning opportunities throughout our comprehensive curriculum. Visit our website today to learn more about service learning at St. Timothy’s School.
