What if your child trained dogs for social science or worked at a soup kitchen for home economics? Homeschooling mom Billie Jo Youmans is sharing how service learning can enhance your curriculum. Join Billie Jo and HSLDA President Mike Smith on today’s Home School Heartbeat.
Mike Smith:
Billie Jo, what is the value of service learning as part of a homeschool education?
Billie Jo Youmans:
There are many aspects of service learning which are of value to any academic program. A service learning project will have planned objectives, which will determine that student’s learning outcome. Some of those valuable areas include workforce preparation skills, spiritual maturity, and character growth, as well as gaining knowledge that’s specific to their field of interest. Another great value is that service learning allows students to experience the challenges that come with applying academics and ideals in the real world. The homeschool setting allows use a unique opportunity to process the experience in the light of godly council and encouragement.
Mike:
So can you give us some practical examples of service learning opportunities?
Billie Jo:
Sure! An interest in teaching could be fed by serving as a tutor or a childcare worker. An animal lover might seek to serve at a shelter or a zoo. A budding cook would do well to explore at a soup kitchen or senior center. A gardener could bless some seniors with a container gardening project. The opportunities are as diverse as our children!
Mike:
Thanks, Billie Jo! These are great examples! And until next time, I’m Mike Smith.
