To ring in the new year, Boston's TeachNet Service Learning
team encourages students and teachers to assess community issues,
identify solutions, and reflect on service through journals and
portfolios. Here are some ways to learn and serve all year long.
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Reach People
in Need Organize book, clothing, or food drives
for needy families and battered women shelters ~ Design and
distribute a data base report of agencies that help families
~ Record stories for the Blind ~ Perform puppet shows at Deaf
organizations ~ Make cards, baskets, and gifts for veterans
hospitals, nursing homes, or pediatric units ~ Serve at food
pantries, soup kitchens, or homeless shelters.
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Nurture Youth
Invite elementary students to Learning Festivals at middle
and high schools ~ Record student New Year's Resolutions on
video/audio cassette and e-mail other schools ~ Video skits
to share with children in pediatric units ~ Design, word process,
and publish books for daycare centers.
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Honor Generations of Service
Share student-made crafts with day care
and senior centers ~ Read a classic story or introduce a new
one at a nursing home or pre-school ~ Welcome seniors, veterans,
or retired teachers to a school performance ~ Shovel sidewalks
and run errands for seniors during winter storms.
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Promote Public Safety
Decorate a community tree with peace
symbols ~ Post Community Peace posters throughout schools,
malls, and popular spots ~ Hold a Safe Driving Rally ~ Distribute
flyers on drug-free living ~ Publish guidelines for healthy
lifestyles in school & local papers.
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Salute Citizenship & Community
Spirit Hold a community sing-along
at a local park ~ Help veterans maintain soldiers' graves
~ Post New Years Resolutions for Responsible Citizens on school/local
area bulletin boards, and email to community leaders &
government officials.
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Enhance the Environment Clean
up local beaches, parks, or playgrounds ~ Make bird feeders
for school gardens ~ Recycle evergreens in compost piles,
landfills, & ground cover ~ Present shut-ins with student-grown
mini-herb gardens.
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