Service Learning in the PreK–3 Classroom: The What, Why, and How-To Guide for Every Teacher(Free Spirit Professional®)

Based on field trials with over 2,000 students and 215 educators, this one-of-a-kind resource presents all the background knowledge and skills needed to effectively use service learning in preK and primary classrooms. Rich in both theory and practice, the book combines community service with differentiated curriculum-based learning to meet the academic and social needs of the young children in meaningful ways. Sample lesson plans are based on tested classroom projects and correlated to national service learning, Head Start, and Common Core State standards. It includes dozens of ready-to-use templates for lesson planning, surveying, assessment, evaluation, permissions, and documentation. Aligns with K–12 Service Learning Standards for Quality Practice. Digital content offers customizable forms and a PowerPoint presentation for preservice and inservice.

Table of Contents:
List of Reproducibles List of Figures Foreword Introduction How to Use This Book PART ONE: Service Learning in Early Childhood Education Chapter 1: Service Learning with Young Children What Is Service Learning? Standards for Service Learning Why Do Service Learning with Young Children? NAEYC’s Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) Head Start Child Outcomes Framework Character Education and Service Learning Chapter 2: Service Learning and Academic Standards Language Arts Standards Mathematics Standards Science Standards Social Studies Standards Fine Arts Standards Technology Standards Health Standards 21st Century Skills Service Learning, Differentiation, and RTI Chapter 3: How to Design Service Learning with Young Children Service Learning Level: Novice Service Learning Level: Intermediate Service Learning Level: Advanced PART TWO: Project Forms and Templates Chapter 4: Planning for Service Learning with Young Children Preparing for Service Learning Brainstorming and Introducing Service Learning Organizational Forms Overview and Planning Chapter 5: Community Partners Student Agreement and Photo Release School Contact Information Community Partner Evaluations Chapter 6: Reflection and Documentation Reflection Ideas Connecting Knowledge and Feelings Ongoing Reflection Ideas Documenting the Learning Chapter 7: Assessment and Evaluation Assessments with Children College Student and Pre-Service Teacher Assessments Faculty Assessments and Evaluations PART THREE: Project Examples and Resources Chapter 8: Letter Writing Sample Lesson Plan: Letters to Troops Sample Lesson Plan: Letters to the Elderly Sample Lesson Plan: Letters to Hospital Patients Sample Lesson Plan: Letters to Government Officials Sample Lesson Plan: Letters to Other Classes Sample Lesson Plan: Letters to Hurricane Victims Letter Writing Resources Chapter 9: Gardening Sample Lesson Plan: Growing Flowers in the Classroom Sample Lesson Plan: Rain Forest in a Jar Sample Lesson Plan: Sunshine in a Pot Sample Lesson Plan: Butterfly Garden Gardening Resources Chapter 10: Helping People in Need Sample Lesson Plan: Helping Hands Sample Lesson Plan: Thanksgiving Box Sample Lesson Plan: Second Harvest Sample Lesson Plan: Feeding the Hungry Sample Lesson Plan: Helping Those in Need Sample Lesson Plan: Food Drive Helping People in Need Resources Chapter 11: Saving Endangered Animals Sample Lesson Plan: Save the Sea Turtles Sample Lesson Plan: Save the Manatees Sample Lesson Plan: Save the Dolphins Sample Lesson Plan: Save the Elephants Sample Lesson Plan: Save the Whales Saving Endangered Animals Resources PART FOUR: Supporting Research and Early Childhood Teacher Education Chapter 12: Theoretical Support for Service Learning in Early Childhood Education Historical Overview of Constructivism Jean Piaget and Morality John Dewey and Experiential Education Lev Semenovich Vygotsky and Sociocultural Theory Lawrence Kohlberg and the Stages of Moral Reasoning Carol Gilligan and Sex Differences in Moral Development Nel Noddings and the Ethic of Care Thomas Lickona and Values Education Chapter 13: Service Learning in Early Childhood Teacher Education Service Learning and Empowerment Service Learning in Teacher Education Principles of Good Practice Early Childhood, Service Learning, and DAP A Cascading Model of Service Learning An Example of Service Learning in Early Childhood Teacher Education Service Learning and Children’s Literature K–12 Service-Learning Standards for Quality Practice References and Resources Index About the Authors

About the Author :
Vickie E. Lake, Ph. D., is an associate professor in the School of Teacher Education at Florida State University. A former teacher, staff developer, and early childhood district coordinator, Vickie has a passion for character education and high quality education for young children. She lives in Tallahassee, Florida. Ithel Jones, Ed.D., is an associate professor of Early Childhood Education at Florida State University. Ithel was a teacher and primary school principal in his native Wales, and he has been a teacher educator at three universities in the United States. He currently teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in early childhood education. He lives in Tallahassee, Florida.

Review :
“Caring starts early and, if we are fortunate, continues throughout our lives. This book is a great resource for educators to embrace their critical role in shaping the mindset of young students and teaching them that others matter. Lake and Jones have created a detailed map to a wonderful destination.” “At last there is a practical resource specifically designed to help preK–3 teachers integrate service learning into their pedagogy! Lake and Jones have crafted a wonderfully useful guide that includes service learning definitions, national standards, examples, planning tools, lesson plans, and a gold mine of grab-and-go forms and reproducibles. Grounded in learning and developmental theory yet focused on practice, this new how-to guide belongs on the shelf of every preK–3 teacher interested in bringing learning to life through service.” “Young children have an inherent concern for their world. Teachers can respond by engaging them in meaningful acts through service learning. Service Learning in the PreK–3 Classroom is a helpful guide for educators who want to ensure that our youngest participants have opportunities to contribute to society.” “This book is a vital resource for early childhood educators—including classroom teachers, preservice teachers, and teacher educators. The comprehensiveness combined with the remarkably clear way of communicating how to use service learning as a methodology make this book a required resource for anyone who wants to link experiential learning with the development of social responsibility. This book is filled with real-life examples, organizational resources, and theoretical support that will provide valuable assistance and time-saving tools, which are a teacher’s best friends.” “Young children get excited and deeply engaged when they have opportunities to do real work, solve meaningful and interesting problems, and, in the process, gain expertise about the world around them. Service Learning in the PreK–3 Classroom is a wonderfully comprehensive and incredibly practical resource that offers teachers guidance about how to create these opportunities in their classrooms. The book includes everything teachers will need to implement projects—from the theoretical underpinnings, to the standards addressed, to the reproducible forms. I am excited to share this rich and innovative new resource with the educators with whom I work.”