When Service Learning meets the Project Approach: Incorporating Service Learning in an early childhood program

Abstract

The researchers described in this case study how Service Learning was incorporated within the context of an early childhood program where the teachers used the Project Approach. The Service Learning project was embedded in an investigation about water and was designed to help tsunami victims in Asia. Participants included two teachers and 12 children age five to seven in a kindergarten/first grade classroom. Data were collected over one month through observations and interviews. This investigation revealed common features shared by Service Learning and the Project Approach. Findings illustrated how the Project Approach facilitated the implementation of Service Learning.