Town Guide

Social Studies/Art

Children will make an illustrated guide to their town for new students and visitors.

Note that in the selection New Friends, three boys help a new neighbor get used to living in a new city. Point out that one way to show friendship is to help someone feel comfortable in a new neighborhood by sharing favorite places and things to do.
Bring to class a map of your city or town. It should show details such as streets, parks, lakes, and open spaces. Tell children that with the map they will help make a Town Guide for new students and visitors.
On chalkboard or chart paper, list five basic categories of places visitors might want to know about: Nature, Places to Play, Stores and Restaurants, Useful Places, and Places for Learning. Then brainstorm with children local examples under each of those categories: local rivers, ponds, hiking trails; gyms, playgrounds, parks; favorite stores and eating places; post office, fire station, bus and train stations; museums, galleries, and libraries.
Tell children that each category will represent one chapter of the guide. Divide the class into five groups, one for each chapter.
Invite children to choose places from the list to include in the guide. Have them make a page for each place, with a picture and a sentence describing the place, or telling what they like about it.
Combine the chapters to make the final Town Guide. Type the captions and names if necessary. Photocopy the map and illustrations, adding numbers for each place. The guide can be placed in the school office for future use by new students and visitors.