By Mimi Rothschild

I would like to take an opportunity to discuss an interesting supplement to a homeschool education: Service Learning. Wikipedia defines service learning as follows:

Service learning is a successful method of teaching, learning and reflecting that combines academic classroom curriculum with meaningful service, frequently youth service, throughout the community. As a teaching methodology, it falls under the category of experiential education. More specifically, it integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, encourage lifelong civic engagement, and strengthen communities.

Service learning has several benefits.

• It helps the community
• It gives students an invaluable learning experience
• It is great for resumes and college applications
• It fosters personal enrichment
• It gives Christian homeschoolers a servant’s heart.

When Christian homeschoolers go out into the community to learn, they are given a hands-on experience. They are able to apprentice under experienced volunteers. Even public schools have adopted similar programs where students are required to spend a certain number of hours each year involved in community service.

There are a variety of opportunities for homeschoolers to reach out to those in need and learn something in the process. I will be listing specific opportunities throughout the next few weeks. Feel free to submit your ideas for service learning activities.