Week 4: My Community
Weekly Focus
Children learn about their local community, community helpers, places in the community, and how people in a community work together.
Week at a Glance
- Focus on community spaces and people
- Identify important places in the community
- Recognize community helpers and their roles
- Understand how community members help each other
Weekly Overview
Theme
My Community
Focus Areas
- Community environment
- Community helpers
- Places in the community
- Working together
Key Vocabulary
Community Connections
Daily Plans
Monday: What Is a Community?
Daily schedule and activities
Morning Activity
Morning Circle: Introduce the concept of community
Literacy Focus
Read 'The Little House' by Virginia Lee Burton
Math Focus
Counting objects in our classroom community
Afternoon Activity
Begin creating a classroom community mural
Materials Needed
- The Little House book
- Large paper for mural
- Art supplies
- Photos of community places
Assessment Notes
Observe students' prior knowledge about communities and their engagement with the concept.
Featured Activities
Community Scavenger Hunt
Students work in small groups to find important places and people in the community using a picture checklist.
Duration
45 minutes
Materials
- Picture checklists
- Clipboards
- Pencils
- Community map
Learning Areas
Community Helper Dress-Up
Students explore different community helper roles through dramatic play with costumes and props.
Duration
30 minutes
Materials
- Community helper costumes
- Role-specific props
- Job description cards
Learning Areas
Build a Community
Using blocks and recycled materials, students create a model community with various buildings and services.
Duration
40 minutes
Materials
- Blocks
- Recycled materials
- Small figures
- Toy vehicles
Learning Areas
Thank You Cards for Helpers
Students create thank you cards for community helpers who provide important services.
Duration
35 minutes
Materials
- Construction paper
- Markers
- Stickers
- Photos of helpers
Learning Areas
Virtual Community Tour
Resources
Books
- "The Little House" by Virginia Lee Burton
- "Mapping Penny's World" by Loreen Leedy
- "Whose Hands Are These?" by Miranda Paul
- "Maybe Something Beautiful" by F. Isabel Campoy
- "The Curious Garden" by Peter Brown
Printables
- Community scavenger hunt checklist
- Community helper matching cards
- Simple community map template
- Community helper interview sheets
- Thank you card templates
Home Connection
Send home a family activity sheet that encourages parents/caregivers to take a walk or drive around the community and point out important places and helpers.