Service learning is a best-practice instructional strategy; it has been proven to work to help kids learn. In service learning, students apply academic, social and personal skills to address community concerns. Through a  4-step process-- planning, action, reflection and demonstration--students make decisions that have real results. 

Service learning also prepares students for real-life experiences. They learn teamwork. They learn to problem-solve. Students become leaders, and they grow as individuals. Students are exposed to new careers. They learn they can make a difference.

Service learning is flexible, and adaptable to any subject.

Service Learning is not Community Service:

•  Service learning is a strategy to educate students. Community service is about providing service.

•  In service-learning, students apply what they learn in the classroom as they work to address community issues. Putting academic learning to "real-life" use keeps students interested.

•  Two key elements of service learning  are reflection (thinking about what was done, what was learned, and what could be improved) and demonstration. Students demonstrate their learning through a variety of activities, including presentations, conferences, exhibitions, web pages and discussion.

"When spider webs are woven together, they can tie up a lion."
--Ethiopian Proverb