7th Grade Service Learning: Perspectives on Poverty

Instructors: Laine Amortegui and Kyle Tilley

7th Grade Service Learning Class Page   Curriculum Map

The 7th Grade Service Learning program, "Perspectives on Poverty," explores the guiding question of what it means to be human by exposing students to the complex issue of poverty. Students discuss the cyclical nature of poverty and examine the related issues of hunger, homelessness, addiction, lack of education, and health.

Application projects include staging a Hunger Banquet to benefit OxFam, knitting scarves for homeless neighbors at Urban Ministry Center, planning and executing a meal for the clients at the Charlotte Rescue Mission, and various other projects that promote awareness and action towards poverty issues.

RUBRIC

Service Learning Assessment

Outreach to the Homeless Community:  Students examine the issues facing the homeless in Mecklenburg Co.  Stereotypes, misconceptions, and other problems that complicate the condition of homelessness are discussed in depth.  Students also discover the services available to the homeless / ‘working poor’ and participate in various activities geared toward facilitating the needs of the homeless populations.

_____ Commitment to, and positive attitude toward providing community service

_____ Integration of service learning experiences with other academic classes

_____ Thoughtful reflections in the form of structured discussions and writing     

Scale*

4 - Consistently exceeds expectations and criteria – goes above & beyond

3 - Consistently meets expectations and criteria

2 - Moving towards proficiency in most areas

1 - Beginning in most areas

0 - No apparent effort or participation in service learning activities or assignments

*The number grade is not equivalent to letter grades A-D.

Factors evaluated:

Leadership role in the classroom and/or on field trips

Well thought-out written reflections

Good class notes maintained in journal

Taking part in all discussions with peers, guest speakers and field trip curators

Initiative, Engagement, Effort, Care    

Applying what is learned in the classroom to your other classes and taking that knowledge forward to the community.

Getting involved even when it means stepping outside your comfort zone