We started by going over our community of Eastend. We talked about what makes our community unique and the special people that live here. We talked about the important people that work here that our town relies on, and the importance of volunteers in a small community. From there, we started talking about what an "ideal" town might look like. Sometimes, grade 2/3s have funny ideas about what is most important - how could we live without a pizzeria?!!
I divided the students in to three groups and had them brainstorm a list of the buildings and amenities they thought we needed to include in a community. We then came together as a group and created a master list, eliminating certain buildings using a majority rule system. Once the master list was complete the students set to work designing each building to their own specifications. This took a LOT of time - if I revisit this unit in the future, I will limit the number of buildings!!
As of today, the students have started piecing their town together. They decide where each building should go in the town, and work together to make sure everything fits and makes sense. Once all the buildings are glued down, the students will add roads, sidewalks, parks, parking lots and anything else they come up with!
The creativity that has been displayed is amazing. The students are so engaged and invested in the success of "Western Town". The students are building team work skills and learning what "fairness" is all about. They are democratic in each decision and no one is allowed to be the "boss". I have tried to stay out of the decision making process as much as possible and it has forced the students to take ownership of the project.
Beginning stages
Arranging the buildings along "main street"
Gluing the buildings on!
So many discussions about urban planning!
Merry Christmas everyone!
Mrs. Wasko
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