BELONGING IN SERVICE-LEARNING
Perhaps most importantly , we have classroom discussions about the “ why ” behind the non-profit itself . The San Diego branch of RMHC is attached to Rady ’ s Children ’ s Hospital which is typically a natural access point for our students since many of them have visited Rady ’ s for routine doctor ’ s appointments , a broken limb here or there , or even a more serious illness .
Our third-grade team does an exceptional job framing our first visit to RMHC , and we are intentional about not othering the ( past , current , or future ) residents of RMHC when we discuss the purpose of RMHC . We are careful not to use terms like “ us ” and “ them ,” but rather talk about “ members of our community ” being patrons of RMHC when they need access to Rady ’ s Children ’ s Hospital . We talk about why it ’ s important to have loved ones nearby when someone is not feeling well , and how Ronald McDonald House makes it possible for caregivers and siblings to have quick access to Rady ’ s when their child or sibling is ill .
Frequently without prompting , our students will display their natural curiosity about why some of our new friends are unable to stay at home when the child they love is in the hospital . We then talk about how there are many people throughout San Diego County and in Mexico who may not have access to the great healthcare that Rady ’ s provides near their place of residence . We may map children ’ s hospitals within a two- or three-hour radius , and talk about how Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego is working to make
“ As educators , we know our lower school students have a strong sense of justice , and we are empowering them to make a difference to bring the comforts they would like to their fellow community members ...”
sure that in cases where a family may live far from Rady ’ s , those families have access to the comforts of home that can make them feel even a little bit better , such as a hot shower and a quiet place to take a nap , while staying near their child . We have our students brainstorm the various things that make them feel comfortable when they are worried about something , and then use those ideas to make “ Welcome Bags ” for families checking into Ronald Mc- Donald House .
The most beautiful thing is when our incredible third-grade students come to their own conclusions that all people deserve access to excellent healthcare and the comfort of being near a sick loved one . As educators , we know our lower school students have a strong sense of justice , and we are empowering them to make a difference to bring the comforts they would like to their fellow community members at Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego .
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CSEE Connections Summer 2022 Page 7