8th Grade Service Overview

Instructors: Patty Armstrong and Beth Schaffner

Class Page

The 8th grade Service Learning program, "Bridging Generations", is designed to develop appreciation and respect for the elderly, along with a sense of empathy and concern for human beings, regardless of their position in life. The service learning activities are student driven, providing an opportunity for the development and practice of planning, organization, and collaboration skills. While creating a friendship and learning about history through the life stories of a resident at the Brian Center in Mooresville, they become more aware about the community in which they live and about who they are, exploring further the guiding question, "How did we get here?" Activites throughout the year include empathy training to prepare them for their experiences, hand-made gifts for the residents such as wheelchair bags and fleece blankets, a holiday talent show that encourages the residents to join in, singing, dancing, and drama performances, and a senior prom.  Integrated classroom projects include the Colonial Wax Museum, Veterans Interactions, Life Expectancy, and Lifelong Savings

As we grow in our understanding of the roles cast upon the aging in our society, we explore the complex world in which the “old” must learn to live. We closely evaluate the misconceptions and labels that are often tagged to the elderly. In doing so, we begin to look at our own prejudices. Through reflections, class discussions, a look at other cultures, and visits to the Brian Center, we consider a wide range of questions:

• How did we get here (in terms of, how did society become fragmented in its care of the elderly)?
• Why is our society xenophobic?
• What makes a “good” old person in today’s society and how does that differ from what makes a “good” young person?
• What does our current view on the elderly tell us about our society?
• What can you, the young, do to bring the two ages together?

This class uses Another Country: Navigating the Emotional Terrain of Our Elders as its literary resource, and guest speakers from the community speak to the students on ageism issues.