By Amanda Meloy
Lindbergh Elementary School

Lindbergh’s fifth grade spent their 2018‒19 REACH (Reinforcing and Enriching Achievement for All Children) class involved in service learning, kindness and action. During Lindbergh’s April 23 Fine Arts night, items that were handmade by fifth-graders were sold at the first annual Fifth Grade Craft Fair. Items included fleece mittens, blankets (for cats, dogs and people), bottle cap magnets and trail mix. Students earned $137.25, and they chose to donate all proceeds to Porchlight and the American Family Children’s Hospital.

Service learning combines learning goals and community service to enhance student growth and community good. Service learning focuses the pedagogy gradual release (I do, we do together, you do) and enforces social emotional learning, such as collaboration, kindness, making a difference, empathy, service and activism. Kindness not only makes us happier, but it helps our health and creates a ripple effect that spreads to others. Finally, action shows students that their voice and actions matter. Kindness and action may not always be easy, but it is the right thing to do. 

Students gained experience working with each other; with community partners Mary Meloy, Judy Imhoff, Karen Marx and Deesa Pence; and with Lindbergh staff Mandy Meloy, Quinn Marx and Beth Callies. They practiced creating, sewing, following step-by-step instructions, and working together to complete a final goal. They also experienced choice and reflection. As a class, they decided what to make and where to donate the proceeds, and they were able to reflect on what went well and what they would do differently.

The 2018‒19 Lindbergh fifth grade showed by example and will indeed leave a legacy of kindness and service.