Task:

Write a reflection or action statement of how you will be changing the service learning program at your school based on this course.

I truly believe education is more about the heart and soul than the textbook and assignment. Of course, curriculum is important, but learning cannot and will not happen if your students do not feel valued, safe, and loved. Prior to taking this course, I wrote a blog about teaching skills which cannot be measured; manners, cooking, and eating together as a family. In my heart of hearts, I know we need more of this in education.

Each year, my class volunteers for Special Olympics three times a year. It's unbelievable to see the kids interact with the athletes and watch the nervousness turn into smiles and hugs by the end of the day. As a whole school, we adopt teams for the Winter Games, make posters of encouragement, and make goody bags. In addition, we host a Spread the Word to End the Word Assembly every year.

After reflecting on this subject, I realize we support the Special Olympic Athletes, but we can do more. The Spread the Word to End the Word Assembly is powerful because we have an athlete come and talk to the kids about the "R" word and how it has hurt them throughout their life. We need to do more activities like this where kids hear a point of view different from their own.

My mission is to model empathy, incorporate it into daily discussions in class, and get a bigger plan together with the rest of the staff. I want to change our Universals. Personally, I think our kids tune out to be respectful, be responsible, be safe, and be a learner. I would love to hear our kids say Be Empathetic, Be Kind, Be Considerate, and Be a Friend.

The above activity is something I am going to try in my class next year. I think it would be a great way for kids to enhance their visual literacy skills, practice empathy, and hear a peer's opinion about the same picture; especially if it differs from their own perception. As a goal for myself, I want to make a HyperDoc on Empathy and have my kids help me build it. I have found they are excellent at giving advice when I say it's for homework!