We ended the Team Building theme and exam week yesterday with relay races.  Julia and I just came up with our new theme for the next month: community service!!!  We're going to have the kids do a service project every Friday afternoon starting with a neighborhood garbage pick-up and maybe a joint activity with some children at the local deaf school.  Have any other ideas for us?    I really want the kids to learn that even though they're young, they can make a difference.  And making a community a better place starts with every little action.  Sometimes one little thing is all you can do.  That's our theme for the month.  

We're starting Phase 3 of construction at school with two new classrooms, (science + computer lab) with a small tutoring/ counseling room.  We're on the look-out for bamboo and clearing out our little school garden to make room for the new construction site. The garden has been great to us and it's sad to see her go.  I'm trying to shift as much of the good compost and soil as I can to a new little site, a dusty area where there's currently nothingness and a little slide.   

I feel so blessed to be able to grow and expand our school this year, little by little, project by project.  Thank you everyone for making this happen!  Without YOU none of this would be possible.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.  xo

Maggie,
What a wonderful theme for the month. How about a project to help a few older women who are widows and live alone? They would benefit from the kindness, respect, and special attention shown by the children. Thank you for teaching the children such important values and providing the opportunity for them to help others!

Am finding that working will little things at first are best for kids. My own 550+ are involved in a school recycling program. A few more are joining an environmental group. Start with small examples and you will see, just like well cared for plants (and children) they will grow and take on a life of their own. Compassion for others and caring for the earth seem to be almost innate in children. You just have to show them that it is there. Best of luck!

Maggie,
How about having the kids go read to the kids that are breaking rocks.
They could sit next to them and read to them while they work.
Kopila kids become little teachers.

Maggie, I think the first post is great and maybe include those students who would be interested in helping to teach those (young or old) who can not read or write well. Your older students can also help tutor others kids that may or may not go to Kopila Valley School.

My kids and I in Bulgaria did a community scavenger hunt. We created a list of tasks like filling one trash bag with litter, washing the windows of a local shop and we baked cookies to distribute to some factory workers. We created teams and made it a race!

What does the children like to do more? I think they can give the best if they choose.

In this way to read at people that can't is a big idea. (also adults that can not go school...)

By, by little garden I hope to see you again...reborn in the surroundings.

Could the children host a women's 'tea' to give Moms a chance to relax and socialize, especially for those who may be very burdened in some way. The older ones could serve and babysit and the younger could entertain with song and dance - they are very good at that!

these ideas are awesome!!!

thanks everyone. xo

every little hepls. all the very best to you and your op's OUR kopila valley brothers and sisters for their better future.