Kids Habitat
The school year is almost over: so why would teachers kick off a major project right now? We found out, thanks to information we received from viewers like you at a recent "Eight Listens" Community Forum.
In assignment: education... Bill Ratliff tells us about a local school that hits the nail on the head when it comes teaching human values.
They call it hammer time. Students at Venice Elementary school are pounding their hearts out - and building a playhouse for some less-fortunate children. The playhouse project is sort of a kids version of "Habitat for Humanity." Teachers believe all this work enhances math and communications skills... and develops a solid awareness of human values.
--[Project Coordinator Stephanie Feltz says:] "There's a sense of comraderie here, and they're all staying really focused. And some of these children you're worried about at the end of the year..They're right on target and behaving and they're out there trying to work and help somebody else.--
Local contractors guide these children on their mission to help others.
--[Contractor says:] "You see how the nails kinda tilt that way?"..There ya go."--
The city even pitched by letting the building permit fee slide.
--[Cheif Building Inspector says:] "Well, the city waived the fee on this one. We decided that you know, since it's for the children we wouldn't charge them. But we will supervise and inspect the job and see that it's done properly."--
When the "Job" Is done it should look a lot like this, complete with wallpaper and furniture.
--[Student says:] "It's gonna be really tall and there's gonna be a bunch of rooms to play in."--
The finished playhouse will be moved a mile or so away, where it will brighten up a playground at the Grove Terrace public housing development. Until then...It's hammer time every afternoon..- a way to drive home the important lesson of helping others. Bill Ratliff, Newschannel Eight. ##
Funding for the playhouse project came from a five-thousand dollar community grant.
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