Three lessons, two of which are experiential-based service learning, inculcate values of literacy and the legacy of dynamic reading. Learners investigate learning expectations and outcomes for younger learners, analyze early childhood literature, learn skills necessary to become successful readers and participate in a Reading Buddies Program. The unit culminates with learners creating their own books to be given to new parents or the library.

The learner will:

• demonstrate an understanding of philanthropy-related terms and concepts.
  
  
• demonstrate competency in reading comprehension.
  
  
• identify skills necessary to perform service as related to the reading.
  
  
• familiarize him/herself with the curriculum standards and benchmarks for first grade.
  
  
• identify key people in his/her community who act as philanthropists in school or community and who address literacy issues.
  
  
• expand his/her knowledge of reading by constructing a Word Wall.
  
  
• actively demonstrate principles of philanthropy.
  
  
• apply effective techniques of mentoring through service learning.
  
  
• develop fellowship with younger learners.
  
  
• effectively engage in reflection through continued use of the Attachment Two: Learning Log from Lesson One: Setting the Stage,.
  
  
• act as an effective mentor as demonstrated by positive feedback from participants.
  
  
• evaluate the service activity through collecting surveys, tabulating and interpreting data.
  
  
• plan, peer-edit and write books for very early learners.
  
  
• develop fellowship with new parents or younger learners.
  
  
• use a Learning Log to reflect on the service learning experience and self-evaluate.
  
  
• understand that he/she will help develop a legacy of reading with future learners.

• Students will be assessed using the Assessment Rubric for Personal Reflection and the Narrative Writing Assessment Rubric.
  
  
• Class participation in peer groups.
  
  
• Instructor observation, tests, quizzes in content areas.
  
  
• Completion of Attachments for Lessons One:Setting the Stage, Two:  Kids Helping Kids and Three:  Authors Shall We Be.
  
  
• Learning Logs.

There are two service lessons in this unit. The instructor should make connections for the Reading Buddies class-to-class activity well in advance.
The instructor should make prior arrangements to secure sufficient books for the class to analyze. Contact your local library, bookstore or media center for assistance.
If learners elect to write a cloth book for new parents, contact the local hospital, secure all clearances and set a date for the presentation. If you have access to a large medical complex, there may be a possibility of scheduling the presentation to the staff in charge of the maternity unit.
Ask for donations of cloth squares from local fabric stores.
Sensitivity to those students who are literate in a language other then English, or who may have parents who are illiterate in English or speak another language is important in teaching this unit.