Service Learning
The Baker Primary Student’s (Grades 1st – 3rd) recent Blankets of Hope project perfectly exemplifies how we bring Progressive Principle 9 to life: actively teaching community-building skills that foster collaboration, inclusion, and service to others.
Last week, the Baker Primary Team embarked on a powerful learning journey. First through third-grade students engaged in an exploration of empathy, confronting challenging real-world issues, like people experiencing homelessness and the harsh realities of winter for those without shelter.
The project began with a thoughtful group discussion where students shared their understanding of helping others. These young learners discussed complex emotions and ideas, demonstrating remarkable emotional intelligence and compassion. They weren’t just learning about community service—they were experiencing it firsthand.
Through a partnership with Connections for the Homeless, students received blankets from the Blankets of Hope organization. But this wasn’t just a simple donation. Each student took the time to write personalized notes to accompany the blankets, transforming a simple act of giving into a deeply personal connection of human kindness.
Partnering up, the children carefully crafted their messages, understanding that their words could bring not just physical warmth, but emotional comfort to someone experiencing difficult circumstances. Their dedication was evident in the care they took in writing these notes, hoping to add a spark of hope and humanity to someone’s challenging day.
Baker Primary grades work on Blankets of Kindness for Connections for the Homeless
This project embodies the heart of our progressive educational philosophy. We’re not just teaching students what to think, but how to think—how to empathize, how to take action, and how to make a meaningful difference in their community. Projects like Blankets of Hope are a testament to our commitment to nurturing not just intelligent minds, but kind hearts.
Our Primary Team, lead by first grade teacher, Melissa Makagon, has shown us that even our youngest students can be powerful agents of community care and compassion. We couldn’t be more proud.
Interested in learning more about what we do inside of our Baker classrooms? Schedule a VISIT, today.