Throw Out the Textbooks--What Are Your Children Learning?

Throw out the textbooks and get involved. Teachers at local school, Valley Christian Academy in Aurora, Ohio, educate children not to just read about ways they can serve their community but go out to get involved. Each grade level (K-8) has a different community service project. Kids learn about the reality of life through hands-on involvement.

Aurora, Ohio (PRWEB) September 5, 2006 -- Top rated private school, Valley Christian Academy of Aurora, OH decides to step it up a notch and take learning to the next level. Students will be learning through various community service projects how to be actively involved. No longer will this be a concept in a textbook but a reality.

Studies regarding service and learning suggests that effective service-learning programs improve grades, increase attendance in school, and develop students' personal and social responsibility. A growing body of research recognizes service-learning as an effective strategy to help students by:

-Promoting learning through active participation in service experiences;
-Providing structured time for students to reflect by thinking, discussing and writing about their service experience;
-Providing an opportunity for students to use skills and knowledge in real-life situations;
-Extending learning beyond the classroom and into the community;
-Fostering a sense of caring for others.

While some schools offer service hours as an incentive to pass a grade, VCA has decided to integrate this into the classroom as a standard way of life. The children have fun working together and learning how others live while truly giving back to those less fortunate.

The children have already learned that it is family and support that is most important over things that we acquire.

Some of the projects in which the students are participating:

- Haven of Rest - a homeless shelter in Akron, OH
- Operation Shoebox, a collection of items for children around the world
- Akron Children's Hospital - tote bags

These are just to name a few of the items already under way and different projects are evolving as the kids are returning to school with a fresh perspective on how to help their local communities.

For interviews, pictures or quotes, contact Tris Bolinger
330-459-7665.

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