Service Learning Log
- Natalie Schoeman
- Oct 8, 2025
- 2 min read
As a student teacher at Agape Christian School, undertaking the "In My Shakespeare Era!" initiative for my TE405 Service Learning module has been a profoundly rewarding yet challenging experience. The project aimed to bridge the literacy gap among grade 7 students, whose reading and creative writing skills were noticeably below expected levels. Rooted in vocabulary enhancement and comprehension, we implemented daily 10-minute reading sessions at the start of English HL lessons, established a reading corner with donated books, conducted vocabulary-building activities like dictionary hunts and picture-prompted creative writing, and culminated in student book presentations. Spanning from May 5 to May 30, 2025, and resuming from August 25 to September 19, 2025, this project aligned with the school's Christian ethos, emphasizing wisdom through reading as a pathway to spiritual and academic growth.
One of the standout successes was the heightened student engagement. Initially, many grade 7 learners were reluctant readers, but the communal reading circles and class-wide "Reading Challenge" leaderboard fostered a sense of unity and competition. By the end, students had collectively read over 150 books, with noticeable improvements in vocabulary usage during creative writing tasks—some even incorporating advanced words like "resilient" and "empathetic" in their stories. The book presentations were particularly triumphant; learners not only demonstrated comprehension but also gained confidence in public speaking, with peers offering constructive feedback. Literacy Awareness Week, featuring assemblies and guest speakers, effectively educated the school community, raising awareness about South Africa's literacy crisis and inspiring broader participation.
However, the journey wasn't without struggles. Time constraints posed a significant hurdle; balancing the project with regular curriculum demands meant some sessions felt rushed, especially during the August resumption when exam preparations loomed. Student motivation varied—while avid readers thrived, others struggled with consistency, often forgetting to bring books or disengaging during group discussions. Resource management was another challenge; initial book donations were slow, requiring persistent community outreach, and ensuring age-appropriate materials aligned with the school's Christian values added scrutiny. Logistically, coordinating volunteers and events like the book drive demanded more administrative effort than anticipated, occasionally leading to last-minute adjustments.
Overall, this project taught me the value of perseverance and adaptability in educational initiatives. It reinforced how literacy is foundational to holistic development, echoing biblical calls to diligence (Proverbs 22:6). Despite the obstacles, seeing students' progress—from hesitant readers to eager presenters—affirmed the impact. Moving forward, I hope to sustain elements like the reading corner in future teaching, and this experience has deepened my commitment to community-driven education.
This is such an inspiring reflection! Your “In My Shakespeare Era!” project shows just how creative and intentional you are as a teacher. The way you approached literacy challenges with imagination and purpose really stood out to me. From reading circles to book presentations, every activity reflected thoughtful planning and a genuine passion for your learners’ growth.
I especially loved how you connected literacy to character development and faith, it’s such a meaningful way to nurture both academic and moral growth. Have you thought about expanding this idea further, maybe by involving parents or younger grades to build a stronger reading culture across the school?
Your honesty about the challenges shows real maturity, and your adaptability speaks volumes about your…
This is an inspiring reflection. I admire how your “In My Shakespeare Era!” project tackled literacy challenges with such creativity and purpose. The variety of activities, from reading circles to book presentations, shows thoughtful planning and a real commitment to learner growth.
I was especially struck by how you linked literacy to character development and faith, aligning academic and moral growth beautifully. Have you considered how you might sustain or scale this initiative? Perhaps by involving parents or younger grades to build a whole-school reading culture?
Your honesty about the challenges adds depth, and your adaptability really stands out. It’s clear this project didn’t just develop your learners, it shaped you as a reflective, community-minded teacher.