Service-Learning Models for Other Languages

Model 1: Fairy Tale College / Elementary Collaboration College Students share what they know with elementary school students about the fairy tale The two groups work together to create original tales in the style of German fairy tales (in English) College Students translate the completed tales into German and compile into a bound volume

Model 2 Community Day Care Center Summer Youth Theatre College students research the cultural theme of immigration to the United States and compose a script based on their findings. College students research the cultural theme of immigration to the United States and compose a script based on their findings. They work with children to dramatize the cultural themes they have researched. They work with children to dramatize the cultural themes they have researched. Language Component: Research could involve reading authentic texts from German immigrants. Language Component: Research could involve reading authentic texts from German immigrants.

Cultural Themes on Stage

Model 3 College German Students / High School German Students Collaboration Both groups prepare a text independently. (In this case, the text treated German immigration) Both groups prepare a text independently. (In this case, the text treated German immigration) Groups work together on a readers’ theatre style text that outlines facts and challenges about immigration. Groups work together on a readers’ theatre style text that outlines facts and challenges about immigration. Students comment (1) on what they have learned about the cultural topic and (2) how the collaboration has helped their language skills. Students comment (1) on what they have learned about the cultural topic and (2) how the collaboration has helped their language skills.

Model 4  Literature Lesson for Cultural Comparison

Literary and Cultural Themes by Station Station 1: Object Station 1: Object Can you think of a special toy that a family member gave to you? What made it so special? Draw a picture of the toy you’re thinking of. Then write words around it like “beautiful,” or “fun” tell others about it.

Station 2: Symbol Station 2: Symbol Sasha’s grandfather carved the first doll for her because he loves her. He carves all the rest to protect the first doll from dangers. Talk about things that your family members do because they love you. Think of something specific. Talk about things that your family members do because they love you. Think of something specific. Also think of a specific way that family or friends have protected you. Also think of a specific way that family or friends have protected you. Now think of ways that the doll and Sasha are similar and ways that they are different. Write two columns on your paper and list your ideas. Now think of ways that the doll and Sasha are similar and ways that they are different. Write two columns on your paper and list your ideas.

Station 3: Setting Station 3: Setting This story could happen anywhere. What clues does the story give you that it takes place in Russia. Make a list of clues. This story could happen anywhere. What clues does the story give you that it takes place in Russia. Make a list of clues. Now pretend that this story takes place in the United States. What changes would you have to make? Now pretend that this story takes place in the United States. What changes would you have to make? What toy would the grandfather make for his granddaughter here? What dangers would they face? What toy would the grandfather make for his granddaughter here? What dangers would they face?

Station 4: The Matrioshka Doll Station 4: The Matrioshka Doll Someone asks you what a matrioshka doll is. How would you describe it to them? Why would you like to have one? If you had to give one as a gift, who would you give it to and why? Someone asks you what a matrioshka doll is. How would you describe it to them? Why would you like to have one? If you had to give one as a gift, who would you give it to and why?