Each and every school year comes with its own special set of challenges. There are lots of wonderful things to learn, but we have to set aside all the good things that are possible and ask ourselves, “What is the most important?”  Teaching our kids to love others should be high on our priority list. Not only do we want them to love others, but we need them to act on it. Service projects are a great way to put hands and feet to what is in our hearts. You can also try one of these acts of kindness for kids to build on this idea.

So how can we include service projects in our homeschool year? I’m glad you asked! You can learn social and emotional health through any service project, but you could also learn so much more, sometimes right in your own homes.

Sometimes, even though we know that nurturing the hearts of our children is the most important thing, we feel guilty for neglecting the academic things that need to be taught too. Or worse yet, we focus on the academics and neglect the heart. There is good news! You can focus on the heart and academics at the same with service projects, often referred to as service learning.

13 Service Projects for Kids That Promote Academic Learning 

Service Projects for Kids That Teach Literacy

• Write cards to soldiers who are deployed.
• Write a letter to an editor or magazine about an important cause.
• Read to younger friends and siblings.
• Hold a book drive and donate books to an orphanage or library.
• Leave notes of encouragement.

Service Projects for Kids That Teach Math

• Cook for someone in need (teaches measurement) or the Ronald McDonald House.
• Shop for an elderly neighbor. (money math skills)
• Volunteer at a Food Pantry. (sorting and organization)
• Collect coins for a good cause. (money math)  

Service Projects for Kids That Teach Science

• Study the food groups and pack a well-balanced meal for the homeless.
• Study recycling and get a recycling bin in an area that currently does not have one.
• Study birds or bats and create bird and bat houses.
• Plant and maintain a community garden or a garden with extra produce you can give away.

Make Time for Service Projects with your kids

We make time for the things that are most important to us. Think about what is most important to you, mix in a little of the other things you need to teach, and enjoy an afternoon of serving others and making a difference. You just might see your children’s hearts turning to others and your own too!

What are your favorite service learning projects?

Tara is a homeschool mom who lives in Nashville, TN with her family of 5. Visit her at MinivanMinistries.com, where she blogs about making Jesus the driving force in your family. Her goal is to help you help your kids fall in love with Jesus. Thanks for reading!