The following lists were compiled by Mesa educators.
They come from a variety of experiences and resources
from our district,
the state,
and the country.
We hope teachers will be sparked by these ideas.
Language Arts
* Tutor peers or younger students.
* Visit a nursing home or senior center and gather oral histories.
* Write persuasive letters to community, state, national, or world leaders addressing a concern.
* Make posters/pamphlets of awareness on various issues.
* Hold a clinic for safety, awareness, or academic achievement.
* Write plays or skits on "hot" topics and perform for the school, senior citizens, or at community events.
* Exchange letters with pen-pals.
* Make books for others.
* Rewrite emergency directions and materials for non-readers, early learners, or limited English students.
* Write student generated newsletters for the school.
Math
* Tutor peers or younger students.
* Count and sort items that have been collected for various causes or needs (e.g. food, toys, clothes, cleaning supplies, recycled items, money).
* Plot and design areas for gardens or playgrounds.
* Collect and chart trash from school.
* Design to-scale maps of the world, nation, or state.
* Map the school's neighborhood with directions and distances in a "Welcome Packet" for new students' families.
* Create flash cards or other school supplies for others.
Reading
* Read to room buddies or serve as guest readers for younger students.
* Read to the disabled or elderly.
* Read about an issue and then "Adopt"-a-cause.
* Chorally read for others.
* Investigate needs and issues that interest students, and then respond with action.
* After reading about gardens, plant one for the school, neighborhood, or a community area.
* Put books on tapes for the library.
* Have a book exchange or fair.
* Start a book club.
