I have a number of strategies in mind to help the students learn and become aware of where we live. Because of the varying levels of development and the presence of different learning styles, it is important to have a variety of presentations. Visual, auditory and kinesthetic learners all need opportunities to receive information in their most efficient way. And certainly sensorial experiences remain strongest in young minds and with a neighborhood right outside our classroom, many opportunities will be available.
Because many students in my class do not have the opportunity to walk around their neighborhoods, there will need to be many discussions throughout the unit about the procedure and rules about being a “good neighbor.” Because we will be out and about in our school neighborhood (not everyone’s resident area), it is important to be mindful of our presence and not be intrusive. This connects our two ideas of neighborhood and community.
Becoming part of this environment in a very purposeful way will strengthen the understanding and skill of observation and hopefully the ability to carry this information to their own neighborhood, should it be a different one. If these young children move, these are skills and knowledge that can help them in their new area, always a stressful time for children. But knowing there are more similarities than differences may be a new tool for them to use.