Developing character education book lists to build civic responsibility and increase literacy in a community
Abstract
Each year students and teachers in the Lake-Lehman School District (PA) build capacity for service-learning by taking part in Project GIVE (Gaining Insights with Volunteer Experiences). During academic year 2003-2004, elementary school students reviewed books with the theme of character education; created book lists for parents; developed book centers; and learned about the history of Pennsylvania. Students with disabilities from grades K-4, teachers, local high school students, parents and members of the community collaborated to make the project a success; addressing the issue of civic responsibility, improving literacy rates, and knowledge about the community. Kathy Finnerty submitted this effective practice in May 2005. The book list that students created for academic year 2004-2005 is provided.Issue
For students who are new to service-learning and its concepts, studying the characteristics of civic responsibility with a focus on utilizing community participation and passing this knowledge along to others is one way to begin a lifetime of civic engagement.Action
Steps to take to recreate this service-learning project include:
A book list is developed based on literature that focuses on character education or civic responsibility. Fourth grade students review books and assign a character quality he or she feels is depicted in the story. After books are reviewed, the students develop handouts for parents about the importance of reading with their children, and decide where the book will be donated.
Additionally, the fourth grade learning support students partner with kindergarten, Head Start, and students with special needs for thirty minutes a day in order to teach the younger students essential information about Pennsylvania. The premise is that by learning about the community the students will be more engaged citizens.
September through November
- The teacher or project leader contacts local high schools (gifted students) and colleges regarding partnering with students who will help with the project (typing a booklist from the students' handwritten copies, creating a website, and seeking in-kind donations).
- The teacher gathers information for presenting peer lessons on character education for the fourth grade student mentors (learning support) and special needs students.
- Fourth grade learning support students receive instruction and review character education books to share with younger students.
- Students decide on details for Community Hero Day (culminating celebration).
- Character education books are catalogued by theme.
- Students prepare materials for Community Hero Day with the help of the mentors.
- Fourth grade students read K is for Keystone: A Pennsylvania Alphabet by Kristen Kane (an introduction to Pennsylvania's history, geography and culture).
- Learning support students gather materials for handouts on Pennsylvania history.
- Students design a character education book center.
February
Learning support students
- Publish information sheets with easy-to-read suggestions for parents on books to read with character education themes.
- Prepare computer-generated "Kidspiration" presentation on Pennsylvania history.
March
All regular education and special needs students pass out reading and literacy information sheets at local schools to parents, libraries and various community locations.
April
The project leader and learning support students arrange for a class field trip to community locations to disseminate information on Pennsylvania and set up information centers.
May through June
- Students reflect and celebrate the completion of the Pennsylvania history project. During the 2004-2005 academic year the culminating project was "Community Hero Day." The project leader purchased a 3-foot "hero" sandwich (sub) and invited readers and teachers who were celebrated as heroes.
- Students complete reflection drawings and publications.
- Learning support students present computer-generated "Kidspiration" presentations in regular education classrooms.
Context
Each year a service-learning project is conducted for K-4 students with disabilities. Project GIVE (Gaining Insights with Volunteer Experience) is designed to acquaint these elementary school students with areas of concern in the community so that they gain a better understanding of community problems. The teacher and students discuss and vote on the type of project and the details of how best to complete it. For students belonging to the Lake-Lehman School District, literacy had been identified as a problem in the rural community for the academic year 2004-2005.Outcome
Students- Gain a better understanding of community problems
- Develop an action plan to organize a campaign to address community needs
- Increase awareness of community problems
- Serve community needs
- Understand how to use technology to make a presentation
- Learn about Pennsylvania history, democracy and civic responsibility
The process of communication, methods of evaluating, techniques of working with parents and other students, relations with community groups, school services, and working with the various news media are also introduced to students.
Additionally, meeting the needs of families in the community requires participants who are collaborative, caring, critical thinkers, reflective, and cognizant of diversity. The course is designed with field experiences, guest speakers, peer mentors, and other activities that create direct student application of leadership skills.
The project leader attends a service-learning conference and presents information regarding the project and encouraging other teachers to implement similar programs in their schools.
Students, parents, businesses, and community agencies work together.
Evidence
The following should be administered to gather evidence about the effectiveness of the project:- Pre-tests and post-tests on content
- Community surveys
- Student evaluations
- Curriculum-based assessments
Posted On
May 31, 2005For More Information
Resources
Reading List for Elementary School-Age Children
Kane, Kristen, K is for Keystone: A Pennsylvania Alphabet. Thomson Gale Publishers, January 2003. (Illustrated by Laura Knorr).
Beginning readers will enjoy the simple rhymes while older children discover facts about each letter in the sidebar expository. Downloadable teacher's guides available. Part of the Discover America State by State Series.
http://www.sleepingbearpress.com