While filling out my PDP (professional development plan - do other states besides North Carolina have anything similar?) I decided to focus on helping my students develop leadership skills. I thought we could do our own service club. I presented the idea to my class, and they enthusiastically agreed.
I asked them what sort of ideas for serving they had. Hands shot up quickly. Our school is down to one evening custodian, so one idea was to help clean until the other custodian returns. Another was to read to and with younger students. They also want to go help in the EC classrooms. A plan to go around the school grounds and pick up trash also. Reshelfing books in the media center was a favorite suggestion.
For my part, I sent out a mass email to the staff asking if any of them needed help. Within a few hours, we had willing teachers accepting their help. The next day I told my students who wanted help and what the tasks were. I have to admit I was surprised at how many them wanted to sweep floors. There were just as many wanting to read with students, reshelf books, help in the EC classrooms, and even sharpen pencils and clean brushes in the art room.
We put our plan into action on Monday and they served in many classrooms for the rest of the week. Even on Friday, they were disappointed if the weren't scheduled to serve and those that were enthusiastically left my room to go complete their tasks. I know one of the first things I'll be asked Monday morning is who is going to sharpen pencils in the art room.
I know it's only been a week and that enthusiasm will likely wane, but I am amazed at the level of willingness to serve that this class has demonstrated over the last few days. The week after Thanksgiving they will be collecting non-perishable food items that students across the school will be bringing in. I think, no I know, that they will be some of the most enthusiastic collectors ever.
I look forward to seeing these children develop their leadership skills through their service.
