Context: This unit was created for CI 3110, Elementary Social Studies Methods. It was created under the advisement of Dr. Claire Mamola.

This service learning project was a way for the students to make an impact on their community. The first project allowed the students to work together to make the town of Lenoir look more festive for the holidays. The second project allowed the students to contact a veteran and express their appreciation.

Impact on Student Learning: The service learning project in which they wrote a thank you letter to a veteran allowed them to think critically and thoughtfully about what they wanted to say and how they wanted to say it. They were also able to edit their letters.

Alignment: This unit met the following North Carolina Standards for Elementary School teachers:

Standard 4: Elementary teachers have a broad knowledge and understanding of the major concepts in social studies.

Indicator 3: Teachers know and understand the developmental progression from the individual to the nation: Self and family, home and school, neighborhoods, communities, state, nation.

-This standard was met when as a class the students made a contribution to the community. They joined other classes to decorate a tree in Lenoir.

Standard 8: Teachers design instructional programs and strategies that build on students' experiences and existing language skills to help students become competent, effective users of language.

Indicator 3: Teachers guide and encourage students to think critically about what they write and read.

-This standard was met by having the students think about what they wanted to say to a veteran. Emphasizing what veterans have done from us made the students think about why they wanted to say thank you to them.

Indicator 5: Teachers provide students opportunities to explore the use of different genres of writing and speaking to a variety of audiences.

-The indicator was met when the students used a letter format when writing.

Standard 16: Elementary teachers develop as leaders in their schools and communities by staying informed about educational policy issues and supporting professional development. Elementary teachers participate in co-curricular activities, provide leadership in student and curriculum involvement, and connect these activities to the development of citizenship ideals in their students.

Indicator 9: Teachers encourage participation in civic and volunteer activities.

I met this indicator by volunteering with the Special Olympics.