This is a project-based lesson designed to guide students through the steps of planning a student organization community service project. The lesson focuses on the students' ability to apply knowledge and skills gained through participation in FCCLA [Family, Career & Community Leaders of America, a national youth organization for students in Family & Consumer Sciences Education] to community issues and /or needs. The project involves planning, goal setting, problem solving, decision-making, and interpersonal communication. This four- to five-day lesson plan is designed for use in any Family & Consumer Sciences class or can be modified for other Career Technical Education classes.

Resource books as needed: Puppets, Poems & Songs [by Julie Shelton], The Mailbox-The Idea Magazine for Teachers [The Education Center, Inc.], Projects and Plays [Frank Schaffer Publications], Storybook Puppets [Jonelle Champion], Planning Activities for Child Care [Goodheart-Willcox]; FCCLA STAR Events Manual; teacher-developed assessment tools/activity handouts (see attachments)

FCCLA Chapter Handbook [CD-ROM] computers with Internet access, printer, floppy disks

Students will have prior knowledge of FCCLA [Family, Career & Community Leaders of America] and an awareness of STAR Events. Prior to the day's lesson, teacher will invite a community elementary school counselor to class to discuss enrichment activities needed by children.

1.)Engagement/Motivation Activity: Teacher will provide a visual display of young children on the playground. In discussing the visual, teacher will ask students what they think are the specific needs of today's young children. Students will brainstorm issues that affect children in their community and write down the issues/needs they discussed. Teacher introduces a community elementary school counselor. The counselor will discuss enrichment activities in several specific areas [character education, career awareness, nutrition, safety, literacy, etc.] that are needed by elementary school-aged children. A teacher-led discussion follows on STAR Events related to community service [Chapter Service Project, Focus on Children, Interpersonal Communication]. Teacher explains that the students are to compare and contrast their brainstorming ideas with the counselor's insight. This will determine a community service project that focuses on elementary school-aged children. Teacher will distribute Handout #1-FCCLA Planning Process Overview. Teacher discusses steps in the planning process. Students can be satisfied that they have completed the first step of the planning process and identified concerns. Allow one class period for this step.

2.)Students will use decision-making skills to determine the focus and goals for the project [Step 2 of FCCLA Planning Process]. Teacher instructs students to discuss various activities that could be utilized. Students should focus on the social, intellectual, and physical development of children [stories, snacks, songs, arts/crafts, etc.]. Teacher will provide resource books and websites for use in the selection of activities. Students will be instructed to choose 3 to 4 activities for the project. Teacher divides the students into groups based on their activity of interest. Teacher distributes Handout #2, Group Activity Planning Sheet that will be completed by each group. Allow one or two class periods for this step.
(Enchanted Learning)
Hundreds of theme-based activities for elementary school-aged children.

3.)Each group will begin preparation activities for the project. Students will prepare materials for the activity [making copies, assembling resources, etc.]. Students will practice their role in the community service project. Following group work, students will assemble as an entire group and develop a timeline for all activities in the project. A final overview of the project will be completed. Students will set a date for implementation of the community service project. Allow one class period for this activity.

4.)On due date for the project, collect and assess [see rubric].

Assessment of this project-based lesson plan is made on the various parts of the planning and implementation of the community service project [see rubric attached].