Service-Learning Resources Available for Back to School

As the soaring humidity of summer begins to plateau, the sense of excitement — and, perhaps, anxiety — of back to school season looms ahead. While students seize the opportunity to shop for new supplies, teachers and out-of-school time educators often spend tireless hours arranging classrooms, sifting through curricula, and preparing for the engaging, hands-on lessons that lie ahead.

To alleviate some of the burden of planning, NYLC staff have compiled a list of resources to help other teachers, nonprofit staff, youth workers, and educators integrate elements of service-learning into their lessons.

1. Service-Learning Starter Kit. Includes the revised and updated Getting Started in Service-Learning book, the K-12 Service-Learning Standards for Quality Practice booklet, which walks through the eight standards as well as indicators for high quality service-learning, and the Tough Minds and Tender Hearts reflection journal. Buy this kit now while it’s on sale for $20 as the NYLC book of the month feature through August 31, 2012.
2. Invest in professional development. Many teachers struggle getting service activities approved by school administration or district office because of the risks involved, but with the right professional development, service-learning can do wonders for academic engagement. Now is an ideal time to take advantage of the customized training options available from NYLC.
3. Lift: Raising the Bar for Service-Learning. The K-12 service-learning standards come to life in our website Lift: Raising the Bar for Service-Learning Practice. The website uses extensive videos and downloadable resources, as well as stories and interviews on location with school administrators, teachers, and students talking about the challenges and rewards of their projects. The Lift website is free to access, and serves as an excellent base for professional development events.
4. Generator School Network. Become one of more than 1,500 educators posting project examples, swapping tips, and learning new approaches to integrate service-learning into lesson planning. Browse more than 350 projects that include discussions, examples, and recorded webinars on topics that range from Building a Youth Council to a review of NYLC programs and resources.

Do you know other planning resources that integrate service-learning? Share them with us on Facebook and Twitter.