Dr. Ilfa Zhulamanova incorporates Service Learning in her EDUC 246:Language and Literacy in Early Years course. This course 
examines the process of language and literacy development in young children, and focuses on ways teachers of young children integrate research-based knowledge with early school and family literacy.
Students in EDUC 246 participated in a storytelling Service Learning project. USI teacher candidates, teachers, and families at Carver Community Center are trained in designing flannel boards, shadow theater, and puppets to present stories to children at school and at home. Teacher candidates enrolled in her course work with CCC early childhood teachers to collect children’s/ families’/community members’ stories, design various ways of presenting stories to children and their parents, assist teachers with organizing storytelling activities and create take-home kits for parents and guardians. The overarching purpose of the project is to establish a connection between the USI Early Childhood Education program and Carver Community Organization to provide a first-hand community engagement learning experience for teacher candidates.
