Law School > Our Community > Outreach for Legal Literacy

Outreach for Legal Literacy

Outreach for Legal Literacy is a community service program in which law students teach law to fifth grade students in local elementary schools. Volunteers teach in groups of two to four for about an hour a week for six or seven weeks. The goal of the program is to teach the students logic and oral skills, and to provide positive role models. The program offers a unique and rewarding opportunity to have a positive impact on the community, as well as the students involved.

Since Prof. Aviva Orenstein started OLL in 1994, more than 100 law students have taught in Bloomington elementary schools including Binford, Clear Creek, University, Templeton, Fairview, and Marlin.

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Program Coordinator Dave Hutchinson at davhutch@indiana.edu.

Curriculum

The law students teach for approximately 45-60 minutes each week, six weeks each semester. The elementary school teacher has the option to choose from the available lesson plans at the beginning of the school year. The teaching methods emphasize active learning, often beginning with a short skit to introduce the topic.

Semester 1

During the first semester, the students focus on the role of law in our society and the U.S. Constitution. The first lesson plan is a basic introduction to law and the legal system. Lesson plans include:

Semester 2

The second semester is preparation for a mock trial, the crowning event of the year.The students come to the Law School for the mock trial. This offers the students an opportunity to see what college looks like, tour the law school, and speak to a law professor who will act as judge. The Trial Court Room is used to lend an air of authenticity.

Topics discussed include:

Administrative

Officers

Back to Top