First Graders Continue Service Learning

First graders are continuing the service project and social studies lesson they began last semester. Surprised by how much money they raised through their cookie sale, the students have been working to decide what to do with the funds. This week, they worked with fourth graders to write persuasive essays. The fourth graders helped the younger students put their journal entries and thoughts into opinion essays, and through the process, discovered the importance of building rapport, elaborating ideas and listening attentively. The next day, the first grade students argued their cases to their classmates, then voted on two different packages to help people through Heifer International. The students chose sending a girl to school and providing communities with clean, healthy water, as well as supporting other projects. The final package included something that each student had argued for, so all of them were happy!