Service Learning

The AALC Service Learning program was developed to provide opportunities for students to learn and share through community service to others, within the school community as well as within the larger society.

In a society where children are given so much, the opportunity for them to give back in a meaningful way is vitally important to their developing sense of competence and self worth.

For the student, the objectives of the program are to:

> Expand self-awareness
> Develop communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
> Explore career opportunities
> Understand and respect various ethnic and cultural background
> Become aware of the needs and resources of the community

Service to the community must start at a developmentally appropriate level for each student.

Early service experiences might include classroom jobs such as watering the class plants or helping another student read a new word.

As the student develops, service opportunities would extend outside of the classroom and into the school community. For example, a student might help with recycling projects or raise and lower the school flag.

Service to the greater community would be a logical next step. Projects such as volunteering in a soup kitchen or raising funds to save the rain forest might be appropriate at this level.