OOPA’s World of Words: SERVICE

What acts of SERVICE can we do to contribute to our community?

SERVICE Teaching Guide 

In this civic lesson, students will visit OOPA’s Wordshop to connect with the word SERVICE. They will watch a short video that introduces this civic character trait through conversation and movement. Then, students will work together to create framed illustrations to express acts of SERVICE that can contribute to their community.

Learning Objectives 

Students will be able to: 

• Identify people that demonstrate acts of SERVICE
• Explain ways to do acts of SERVICE in communities
• Create and share a drawing with a frame to express acts of SERVICE that can contribute to the community

Materials 

• SERVICE Video
• Chart paper and markers
• White cardstock or copy paper
• Writing and drawing supplies, scissors, tape, and glue
• SERVICE Picture Frame
• Decorative supplies: ribbon, scrap paper, buttons, stickers, etc.
• Wall-safe tape
• Optional: journal or shoebox

Accommodations and Modifications 

Prepare the learning space to allow room for movement. Students can stand or sit while connecting to the word SERVICE in the movement segment. Use assistive art tools for the flipbook activity and provide ample time for student reflection.

Before the Video 

What do you know about SERVICE? Allow students time to reflect and respond to the question or have a “turn and talk.”

During the Video 

Play the SERVICE video from OOPA’S World of Words. If needed, pause the video after the conversation in the Wordshop segment [3:05] to prepare students for movement.

After the Video 

What does the word SERVICE make you think about? How does the word SERVICE make your body move? Allow students to reflect and respond to the question or have a “turn and talk.”

Whole Group Movement 

Write the word “SERVICE” on chart paper or the board. Create a two-column visual, with the left side titled “I do acts of SERVICE when…” and the right side titled “Movement.” Create a class list of 10 ways students do acts of SERVICE, then brainstorm a movement/gesture to pair with each. Encourage students to be specific and dig deep into their responses — “I help the librarian put books on the shelf” vs “help” or “donating clothes that are too small” vs “donating.” Use those responses to generate movement ideas. For example, helping the librarian put books on the shelf/lifting books from floor and carrying in arms, or donating clothes that are too small/squatting and pretending to carry heavy bags. Be playful and have fun with the movements! When the list is done, lead students through the movements. Each day, select a different student to review the list and guide the class in a group movement activity. 

Going Deeper with the Arts  

Ask the essential question: What acts of SERVICE can we do to contribute to our community? Distribute the SERVICE Picture Frame with writing and drawing supplies. Give students time to draw a picture that illustrates an act of SERVICE that helps their community. Encourage them to think about how they help others or spread kindness. Next, give students glue so they can decorate the frame with art materials (ribbon, scrap paper, buttons, stickers, etc.). Work together to find a spot in the classroom or hallway to display the gallery of SERVICE acts. Have students showcase their work. Ask: How does the art piece represent acts of SERVICE in our community? Why are acts of SERVICE important?

Think bigger! Brainstorm ideas for an act of service to do together. For example, cleaning up the school grounds, donating canned goods to a food pantry, or creating a “compliment wall” to promote positivity. Look for inspiration from their illustrated picture frames. Choose one idea as a class and make a plan to do it together!

Extend the Learning 

CIVICS Journal or Mailbox 

Create a class CIVICS journal or mailbox where students, teachers, and staff can document acts of COURAGE, FREEDOM, GRATITUDE, JUSTICE and SERVICE that they witness throughout the school year. Establishing a routine to celebrate and recognize these acts fosters a positive school community, strengthens relationships and enhances well-being.

Say Hi to OOPA

OOPA loves to receive and respond to letters. Use this Write to OOPA Template or send your own letter and drawing to:  OOPA, PO Box 467, Pipersville, PA 18947

Head back to the main page to view the other videos in the series!