Kahne & Westheimer

"Relationships that emhasize charity we will call giving. Those that aim primarily to deepen relationships and to forge new connections we will call caring." Before reading this article I didnt know that service learning was looked at in these two ways. I thought that any service learning would be considered both but after seeing these definitions I realize that it can be looked at in separate ways. For me the service learning i do falls into the caring relationships because I feel like if I was to call it charity I would be showing the kids pitty and I dont think that the right way to approach the situation.

"Service learning can advance other priorities, such as the acquisition of vocational skills." This is just one example of how service learning can impact people. I would have never tought a skill like this would be picked up but much more can be taught when doing service learning. At the time your working with someone it may feel like your not doing much but the end results are amazing. I can't wait to see the progress I see in the girls i work with.

"The distance between the one caring and the one cared for diminishes." This is my favorite quote from this reading because in the end the bond you create is so strong and positive you let walls down and you feel like your not helping someone they are actually helping you. I feel the goal of service learning is to build this type of bond because it will be remembered forever.


This reading was kind of dry to read. But it is good to know how much service learning impacts the people you work with. This made me feel good about what i'm doing but i felt like this reading was too repetitive.