At Corydon Central Junior High School, Mrs. Wiseman’s 7th and 8th grade English students are learning more than just reading and writing—they’re developing life skills through quarterly service projects that tie into their academic studies. These service-learning projects extend traditional classroom learning by encouraging students to apply concepts from their Language Arts curriculum in real-world contexts.
Each quarter, students design and execute service projects that challenge them to engage with their community while reflecting on the themes discussed in class. The projects help students improve critical thinking, communication, and empathy—skills that align with Indiana's academic standards for English Language Arts. By incorporating activities like reflective writing, students enhance their ability to analyze and convey personal growth, fostering connections between literature and lived experiences.
Here’s a sneak peek into each group’s journey:
Alexis connected with her grandparents to learn about their childhoods, creating a beautiful tapestry of family history. Her presentation showcased the wisdom she gained and the importance of cherishing family bonds.
Ava focused on tutoring her six-year-old niece in math and English, fostering a bond while emphasizing the value of patience and teaching. Ava’s presentation reflected the joy she felt in helping someone close to her succeed.
Christian Brown interviewed his aunt, a newly minted travel nurse. In his presentation, he shared how her career shift has been a major milestone in her life, highlighting the challenges and joys of adapting to new environments while helping those in need across various hospitals.
Gideon and Beckett explored the career transition of Gideon’s mom, Katie, from teaching healthcare to becoming a college and career specialist at Norton Healthcare. Their presentation illustrated how this change has allowed her to make a greater impact on students while providing more time for her family, demonstrating the significance of embracing new opportunities.
Karlie took a culinary approach by preparing a family dinner with her Nana. Their project not only provided a meal but also emphasized the importance of family traditions and spending quality time together. Karlie’s presentation featured heartfelt photos of their cooking process.
Gabe brought music to a local nursing home, playing piano for residents. His presentation highlighted the joy that music can bring to people of all ages, showcasing the smiles and happiness he witnessed during his performance.
Kaden spent a day cleaning and organizing his grandmother’s cellar. His presentation emphasized how small acts of kindness can brighten someone's day, particularly when it comes to helping family members.
Kaleb and his dad tackled a practical project by installing electrical wiring for his grandma’s porch. In his presentation, Kaleb shared the challenges and triumphs they faced, illustrating the importance of working together to solve problems.
Jude and Murphy decided to lend a hand with yard work for Jude’s mom on her birthday. Their presentation focused on how this project represented a rite of passage into adulthood, highlighting the responsibility of maintaining a home.
Isla volunteered at her church nursery, caring for infants. Her presentation emphasized the joy of helping parents enjoy some time away while also learning the essential skills of nurturing young children.
Lucas took a unique approach by interviewing family members about their past experiences. His presentation captured the richness of family stories, showing how understanding history can foster connections across generations.
Gavin embarked on a project to clean up a local park, highlighting the importance of community spaces. Their presentation included before-and-after photos and shared their efforts to beautify the area for everyone to enjoy.
Lyla sat down with her grandpa to discuss his recent experience getting hearing aids. Her presentation focused on how this change marked a significant rite of passage, emphasizing the importance of addressing health issues as we age and how it positively impacted his daily life.
Connecting Projects to Classroom Learning
These projects not only enriched students' learning experiences but also allowed them to bond with their peers and families. Each presentation was filled with creativity and personal stories, making them relatable and engaging for everyone involved.
By connecting classroom lessons with real-world applications, Mrs. Wiseman’s students are learning valuable life skills while making a positive impact on their community. As they share their projects, they also inspire others to engage in acts of kindness and service, making Corydon a better place for all.
As the school year continues, we can’t wait to see what these inspiring young minds will come up with next. Their dedication to service and community is a testament to the bright future ahead for both the students and the community of Corydon. Keep an eye out for more updates and highlights from their next service project!