We
know that most Tennessee 4-H'ers are already doing things
to help the community. So why should you put that extra
effort into your project to make it "service learning"?
What are the benefits to youth like you? What can helping
others really do to help you grow as a person?
A
lot of adults have wondered about this, too. They've done
studies on kids who do service learning versus kids who
don't. And guess what! Youth who do service learning for
at least an hour a week are only half as likely to do dangerous
things like smoke, drink, take drugs, or do other risky
behaviors.
But
what can you LEARN? Here are a few examples:
| PERSONAL
GROWTH |
- self-esteem
- personal
responsibility
- confirm
beliefs and values
- self-motivation
|
| SOCIAL
GROWTH |
- communication
skills
- interpersonal
skills
- teambuilding
- understanding
others that are different
- concern
for others
|
| INTELLECTUAL
GROWTH |
- critical
thinking skills
- problem
solving skills
- decision
making skills
- knowledge
about social issues
- academic
subject matter (like your 4-H project area!!!)
|
| CITIZENSHIP |
- civic
responsibility
- awareness
of community needs
- understanding
government
- awareness
of individual contributions to the larger society
|
| WORKPLACE
PREPARATION and CAREER EXPLORATION |
- consistency
and regular attendance
- office
and organizational culture
- skills
related to specific jobs
|
| Did
you know that participating in service learning can
also build your character? It can help you develop .
. . |
Trustworthiness
Respect
Responsibility
Fairness
Caring
Citizenship
|
So now that you know what service learning
can do for you, get out there and help someone in your community!
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