Empty Bowls, Full Hearts: Grade 6 Reflects on Service
On April 17, Grade 6 students, families, and educators gathered for the Empty Bowls event—a culmination of the students’ year-long work exploring poverty, homelessness, and food insecurity. This was the first year the event was held during the school day and presented in a new format, giving guests a more immersive look at the sixth graders' learning journeys.
At the event, every Grade 6 student had an active role. Parents and guests rotated through classrooms, where students shared presentations and reflections on what they had discovered across multiple subjects. Along the way, guests had the chance to try making their own "empty bowls" out of dough, adding an interactive element to the experience. Students also served guests a simple breakfast bowl meal, and attendees admired the ceramic bowls created in art class—each one a symbol of hunger awareness and the importance of advocacy.
This event capped off a year of meaningful exploration for the sixth graders. Throughout the school year, students deepened their understanding of poverty, homelessness, and food insecurity through discussions, projects, and service activities. They assembled toiletry kits, organized food drives, and volunteered at local food pantries and soup kitchens, including the Jewish Family Services (JFS) Weinberg Food Pantry and the Capitol Hill Soup Kitchen. Through these experiences, students connected their academic learning to real-world action and built a stronger sense of social responsibility.
Empty Bowls was more than just a gathering—it was a moment for students to use their voices, demonstrate their learning, and reflect on the power of service.
Want to see more? Watch the video for a full look at the Grade 6 service learning journey and the meaningful work that shaped their understanding of community engagement.
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
