Our Neighborhood as a Community
  1. Strand PHIL.II Philanthropy and Civil Society
    1. Standard PCS 05. Philanthropy and Government
      1. Benchmark E.7 Describe why the classroom, school, or neighborhood is a community governed by fundamental democratic principles.
    2. Standard PCS 07. Skills of Civic Engagement
      1. Benchmark E.1 Explore and research issues and present solutions using communication tools.
      2. Benchmark E.2 Discuss an issue affecting the common good in the classroom or school and demonstrate respect and courtesy for differing opinions.

A neighborhood becomes a broader picture for them to think about as a place where they are a member and can make a difference. Learning that the community is diverse is important The lesson will introduce some community helpers in whom the learners can put their trust.

Duration: 
PrintOne 45-Minute Session
Objectives: 
  • identify places where people in their community gather together
  • describe ways that each member in the neighborhood can work together to make it a nice place to live
Bibliography: 
  • Daniel's Good Day literature guide - Daniel greets everyone in his neighborhood
Instructions: 
Print
  1. Anticipatory Set:

    Read aloud the book Daniel's Good Day and use this literature guide to facilitate conversation. Observe the details in the pictures and talk about the variety of people and activities in a neighborhood. 

    Ask about what other neighborhoods look like. Discuss how a neighborhood is a type of community, where people share a place and interests. 

  2. Brainstorm a list of places and services in the neighborhood that are shared by others (parks, libraries, police). Talk about who they would trust in their community to help them with certain problems or situations, for example:

    • Who would you call if you were home alone and heard a strange noise and saw a person walking around your house?
    • Who would you trust to help you if your parents were not home when you got home?
    • Who could you trust to call if you saw smoke in your house?
  3. Have community members come and talk about their work and show (pictures of) the equipment that they need when they help people in the community. Ask the speakers to share what time, talent, and treasure they use to help the community. Encourage children to ask questions about their work, training, safety practices, etc. This may happen over several days.

  4. Take a picture of each helper. After the visitors leave, ask the children to dictate a few facts that they remember about each helper. Mount the pictures and sentences on large paper and staple into a book for the class library.

  5. Make a list of ways to improve our neighborhoods, for example, clean up a park, form a bike club, or build a playground. 

  6. Discuss who takes care of the commons areas (those that belong to everyone). Do the police officers pick up trash or do volunteer groups? Make a T-chart with the headings Volunteers/Paid Workers. Ask children to fill in the chart with their knowledge about who gets things done. This chart may be added to over time. 

    Contact your local adult clubs and nonprofits to find out service projects volunteers do for neighborhoods. More resources for civic groups include Lions Club, Rotary Club, Optimists Club, community foundations, or Women's clubs.

    Put stars by the things young people can do together.