Video: Elementary Students Get Creative For A Christmas Service Learning Project

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TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) — Schools are under more and more pressure to make sure their students achieve in math and reading. But they also are charged with turning young hearts into life long givers.

During this Christmas season, students in Lawndale Elementary School’s challenge program, for accelerated students, have their own take on Claus. By raising money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, LeBonheur Children’s Hospital and the Make a Wish Foundation, the Tupelo students learn the value of community service.

“Service learning is a big part of the challenge curriculum and Claus stands for Children Learning And Understanding Services,” said 5th grade Challenge teacher, Sally Amos.

The students picked their charities and make unique ornaments and other gifts. Then during an open house, they’ll ask visitors for a donation, those who give get a “thank you” ornament. It’s a subtle way to teach students the manners and respect they will carry on in life. They tune other skills by researching the charities and making presentations as part of asking for donations.

“They can give money and they can pick out one of these ornaments and we’ll give the money that we raise to St Jude,” said 3rd grader, Jillian Babb.

While educators say it’s a multipurpose teaching technique, the students simple enjoy the pleasure of helping worthy causes.

“Because we’re going to help children so they can feel better,” said 3rd grader, Julianna Nguyen.

“They help children with medical problems and that is very important so they can learn to get better and better,” said 5th grader, William Short.

Donations will be accepted at The Claus Project open house Tuesday December 9th, at Tupelo’s Lawndale Elementary.

In past years, the Claus Project has brought in $2,00 for the organizations and teachers hope to bring in even more this year.

Categories: Local News

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