How service projects help homeschoolers

Service projects are not only a super educational opportunity, but also a perfect venue for showing your children compassion and love for others.

Growing a garden to improve your community, making meals for new Moms or individuals who are not able to walk around comfortably, putting together a bulletin board for your home church, helping with the campaign for a local politician ... all of these are terrific opportunities for your son or daughters to gain valuable learning experiences while also discovering the importance of service.

I have discovered that the different service projects our family has participated in have been invaluable to my children's homeschooling programs and also their character development. Not only are they building basic skills like gardening, following directions to create delicious meals, artistic ability, organization skills ... but also compassion, love, kindness, philanthropy, honesty, humbleness, and more.

I have witnessed happily as my youngsters brought joy to the elderly not only by sharing their musical ability, but also by spending time with them, sharing their experiences with them, and listening to their anecdotes. I have really felt the flow of pride as they served the homeless lovingly without wrinkling their noses or grumbling. I observed amazed as one of my kids handed over the dog money she was so carefully saving to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina. I have treasured the consideration of my daughter, who is constantly coming up with ways we can improve someone's day or go the extra mile to help someone in need. And though I must admit there have been moments when due to other commitments I have said "no" to her suggestions, she pushes on and never tires of discovering brand-new ways to become a help.

At times our service projects include an entire school day and I really feel the pressure of keeping up with their academic works. Math, English, Vocabulary, Science, Social Studies ... these can sometimes seem so critical. But if I step back and look at the teachings they are learning through their ministries, I cannot help but understand that not only are they learning much more worthwhile lessons, but they are also getting a different sort of instruction in those same subjects.

Make the effort to think outside the box, to stretch your love to others, and to find a need that you and your family can accommodate. I guarantee you and your kids will be blessed!

A few ideas:

Visit a retirement home to play a musical instrument or to read to one of the residents,.

Pick up junk in your neighborhood.

Shovel snow.

Gather leaves.

Grow a garden.

Gather books to bring to the children's ward at your local hospital.

"Adopt" a family in need and make anonymous deliveries to their door.

Knock on the door of an elderly family and ask if you can help with common projects such as:.

·         Mopping the floor.

·         Cleaning the screens.

·         Cutting the lawn.

·         Taking the car in for service ... the list could go on forever.

Use the abilities the Lord has offered you to train your kids not only in academics but also in character and service to others.