Service Learning in the PreK-3 Classroom: The What, Why, and How-To Guide for Every Teacher

Among early childhood education books, this one stands in a class by itself. It is the only comprehensive, research-based guide for implementing service learning across the pre-K and early elementary curriculum. Based on field trials with over 3,500 students and 215 educators, this pioneering resource presents all the background knowledge and skills you need to effectively use service learning in your pre-K or primary classroom. Rich in both theory and practice, the book combines best practices in service with differentiated content-based learning to meet the academic and social needs of young children in meaningful ways. The guides numerous sample service learning lesson plans are based on field-tested pre-K and early elementary classroom projects and correlated to national standards.

Inside you'll find:

• Dozens of ready-to-use templates for lesson planning, surveying, assessment, evaluation, permissions, and documentation
• Practical project design strategies for readers at all levels of service learning experiencefrom novice to advanced
• Supporting research from field experts: Piaget, Dewey, Vygotsky, Kohlberg, Gilligan, Noddings, and Lickona
• Content and lessons that reflect a number of curriculum standards and frameworks
• Over 20 sample lesson plans that include differentiated instruction options and address these child-friendly themes:

- Letter writing

- Gardening

- Helping people in need

- Saving endangered animals

• Digital content (included) offers customisable versions of the book's forms along with additional sample lesson plans and a PowerPoint presentation for use in pre-service and professional development.

Experienced authors and early childhood education experts, Vickie E. Lake, Ph.D., and Ithel Jones, Ed.D., fill the gap in early childhood service learning instruction with this quality, user-friendly guide destined to become a classic in the field.

"“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."
- Elizabeth A. Ethridge, Ed.D., associate professor of early childhood education, University of Oklahoma

"A wonderfully useful guide [that] belongs on the shelf of every preK–3 teacher interested in bringing learning to life through service."
- Joe Follman, founding director, Florida Learn & Serve