Starting in Kindergarten, students learn their role as an individual and further develop an understanding of their part in a larger group such as their families and their school. In this lesson, students explore the ways their school is a community and how everyone plays an integral role in its function and success.
TECHi TiKES: Write About This – www.techitikes.com
The Activity
Discuss with the students that there are many individuals that help contribute to the school community. These can be individuals who work within the school and volunteers. Invite students to share their thoughts and brainstorm who makes up the school community (principal, nurse, custodians, teachers, students, etc.) and make a list of their ideas. In pairs or triads, assign students an individual from the list. Allow groups time to take a picture of the individual using and iPad or the teacher can acquire a picture in advance. If students are taking the picture, invite them to take a picture of the individual performing their job for the school if possible. Students will then use the Write About This app to collaborate on the ways this individual contributes to the school community and write their response as a team. Responses can then be shared to the class.
Key Questions for the Writing Response
- Who is your school community member?
- How do they help the school?
- Why are they important?
The Product
At the end of the activity, students can email responses to the teacher to create a portfolio of their school as a community. The student writing responses can be printed for a hallway display or included in a multimedia presentation to celebrate all of the amazing individuals that contribute to their school.
What’s Next?
Supplementary extension activities can include:
- Have students write a letter of appreciation to a community member of their school
- Ask a community member of the school to visit the class and serve as a guest speaker to share more of their role in the school. They can also answer questions from students about the ins and outs of their work!
Subject: Social Studies
Grade(s): K-2
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.1.2 Write informative/explanatory texts in which they name a topic, supply some facts about the topic, and provide some sense of closure.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.1.6 With guidance and support from adults, use a variety of digital tools to produce and publish writing, including in collaboration with peers.