Book Buddies Organization

Grade Level: 6-12

Academic Areas: Language Arts, Technology

Duration of service: Year Long

Character Virtues: Giving, Caring, Responsibility

Service Areas: Human Services, Education/Tutoring

Service Learning Project:

Students, staff and local libraries will collaborate on the formation of a Book Buddies Organization (B.B.O.) which provides tape recorded reading of books for the visually impaired/ illiterate. Reading skills will also be enhanced as each book is recorded. Students will be responsible for communication between the Association of the Blind, Adult Literacy programs, and local libraries. Requests for books on tape by library patrons (via e-mail or phone calls) will be fulfilled on an as needed basis. A database of the books on tapes will be produced and maintained by the students. Students will need to learn how to use the audio – visual equipment as well as to brainstorm fundraisers for the purchasing of blank tapes. Members of the B.B.O. will provide a service that will enhance the quality of life for the visually impaired/ illiterate. Students will personally deliver the books on tape to the organizations involved.

Learning Goal: Students will learn how to use audio-visual recording equipment.

Standard: MST #2, 5

Learning Goal: Students will enhance oral reading skills and develop an appreciation for various works of literature.

Standard: ELA # 2, 4

Community need: The visually impaired are unable to participate fully in engaging in a variety of literary experiences. Students will tape record the reading of various literature works for use by the visually impaired.

Possible Community Partners: Students, Services for the Visually Impaired, Library

Objective: To create books on tapes for the visually impaired or those who are illiterate.

Character

Virtue: Caring

Objective: Students will show compassion for the visually impaired/illiterate by offering support in the form of books on tape.

Virtue: Giving

Objective: Students will extend themselves by using their time and effort to help others.

1. Students need to develop community partnerships and quantify the need for books on tape. Based on the need, the students will brainstorm fundraising activities to support this project. (Blank tapes, monetary donations, acquisition of books)
2. Students need tutorials on the use of audio-visual recording equipment.

Key Service Activities  

1. Students will utilize the AV equipment to record the requested books.
2. Students will visit area schools to recruit readers for the B.B.O.
3. Students will create a database template for completed books on tape.
4. Students will design brochures that promote the benefits of participation in the B.B.O. The brochure will include benefits of volunteering, pictures and photos of the project and a brief overview of their personal gain.
5. Students will deliver the books on tapes to the various organizations involved.

1. (oral) In round- table style, students will alphabetically name things they did or felt during this project using only one word. Teachers will help students identify words that reflect the character virtues.
2. (written) Students will write a short essay about what it would be like to not be able to read.
3. (performance) Students will draw a picture of how the book recipient will feel when receiving the gift of the book on tape.

Students will advertise the success of their program through local media. Parents will assist students in creating the advertisement and in making connections with community media personnel.