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