Around Our Community
Kit Lessons
Map of Our Village
A highly collaborative lesson will teach children to work together to understand what a map is and begin creating a giant one of their community. The teacher guides children through using technology for research, discussion questions to strengthen their observation skills, and an engaging art activity. They continue to talk about their community in a block center extension activity.
Village Structures
Students recognize important structures and places in their village as they participate in an investigative field trip. They will research and document the important places in their village, plan their community map, and create it. Children will certainly remember this first introduction to social studies and geography.
Ways to Get Around
Children will expand their knowledge of their community as they play with their classroom created map and learn about 3 ways to get around the community. Continuing block play from the previous lesson will ensure students can go deeper with their structures. A new sensory center will have all students wanting to experiment with ice and vehicles. While technically the last lesson in this unit, the students will be sure to come up with some great ideas themselves for continuing this engaging play topic!
Native Language — Relevant Vocabulary
English
Dena'ina
Sugt'stun
Yu'pik
Airplane
Boat
Grass
House
Lake
Mountain
Ocean
River
Square
Triangle
Tundra
Volcano
Related Alaska Children’s Literature
Molly’s Awesome Alaska Guide
Once Upon Alaska
The Way We Genuinely Live: Masterworks of Yupik Science & Survival