Gene V. Gandelman
Lesson Five: What is a Neighbor?
Objective To teach students the value and importance of being a good neighbor and make city life better for all its inhabitants.
A neighborhood consists of neighbors. When people live close to each other in an urban environment, the quality of life is directly related to the way they treat each other.
The teacher should lead class discussion on what the qualities of a good neighbor are. Discuss such topics as friendship, accommodations, courtesy, respect, interaction, common needs and interests, sharing, respect for property and other related terms.
Activities
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1. Have students write about their neighbors including that they like about them and dislike. How could they make them better neighbors?
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2. Pretend you are moving to a new house. Describe the family you hope lives next door. Be sure to include details about their personalities.
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3. Are you a good neighbor? Have the class list as many criteria as possible which characterize a good neighbor. Then see how many fit you or describe you as a neighbor. Are you a 100% good neighbor, 90% or less? Think about that you might add or change to improve yourself for your neighbors.
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4. Discuss healthy competition vs. destructive conflict—How one builds while the other destroys.
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5. Discuss the problems in our neighborhoods and how that could be solved.
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6. Regardless of race or ethnic background, what do the people of all neighborhoods want for themselves and their families?
