During their "How the World Works" Unit of Inquiry, Prek 2D class were very interested in knowing more about hospitals and eye doctors. Inspired by their exploration, they set up an “eye hospital” in the classroom, with student volunteers reading to the "sick patients." This sparked the idea to launch a service-learning project to support Bethel, a foster home for visually impaired children and orphans.
The project aligned with the learning goals of exploring the different senses and their functions. Prek 2D students divided into groups and chose a sense to focus on, creating items specifically for the Bethel children. One group made noise shakers with various items inside, such as bells, to engage the sense of hearing. They also added textured papers to the bottles for a tactile experience.
Another group developed scented playdough, carefully considering the senses of touch and smell. Instead of adding color, they focused on different scents like coffee and orange to enhance the sensory experience for the children.
Recognizing that the children at Bethel couldn't see the picture books they read at SIS students, the last group created audio books, providing an auditory journey through storytelling.
As a whole class, Prek 2D explored the sense of taste and took the opportunity to make holiday candies for the children at Bethel, spreading joy and sweetness during the festive season.
Through this service-learning project, Prek 2D embraced empathy, creativity, and the exploration of senses, making a positive impact on the lives of visually impaired children at Bethel.