Service learning is emerging as an extremely effective way to teach students important elements of character as well as give them an appreciation of what it means to give back to the people in their own community. Much more than traditional "community service," service learning engages students through real life experiences in real world settings, and enables them to provide service to the community.

The service learning experience involves the following six components. It:

1. Extends beyond the classroom.
2. Provides real learning—integrated into the curriculum.
3. Involves real service—meeting real needs in the community.
4. Provides time for, and emphasis on, reflection by the student.
5. Promotes character development by fostering a sense of caring.
6. Ends in reinforcement or celebration of accomplishment.

Many teachers have wanted to begin service learning projects with their classes, but they haven’t known where to begin. That’s where this new notebook comes in. Included in this notebook are over 100 lessons for service learning projects.

Click here to view an excerpt.