Service Learning and Literature: Creating a Dynamic, Engaging School Culture

With service-learning, we engage students, harness their abilities, and help them develop plans and visions and ideas that they can see put into action. Something happens, something changes. They are a part of this change. And when they see the positive changes they cause when they read aloud to children, interview senior citizens to document their lives, and put together nutritious food packages for families in need, they change. They learn how to work with others, how to be persistent, how to overcome challenges, what it feels like to be depended upon. They see that classroom learning has purpose and helps them live in their world. This happens when learning and service connect. (author)