English unit links literature with community service project
English I students are tying literature into community service.
On Nov. 9, Jill Swanson’s freshmen classes visited Pioneer Center in McHenry, an organization that offers housing, jobs, counseling and life planning for individuals with disabilities and their families. The students spent a few hours interacting with center clients by leading craft activities or a game of BINGO.
The trip was part of a unit on John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. One character in the novel named Lenny is mentally challenged.
“I really feel like the students need to see the world outside of complete normalcy…and learn to interact with people with disabilities and help the community in different ways,” Swanson said.
Earlier in the week, the students also sponsored a drive to collect used CDs, DVDs and VHS tapes from the school community that were donated to the center. The center has funding to cover the costs of food and housing but not for entertainment.