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"If American cities are to change into something worth having, there must be a clear image clearly conceived of what the city should be, and this image must be injected into and mature within the processes which actually dictate the form the city will take." William Whyte |
PURPOSE The Kids Neighborhood Workshop will teach children about how city planning works using the same skills and tools that professionals use. The planning process will come alive as they explore a neighborhood, make goals and plans, and explain their ideas to others. The Kids Neighborhood Workshop is designed for children to experience what it's like to be a city planner, architect, engineer and landscape architect. | ||||
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"Tell me, I forget. Show me, I remember. Involve me, I understand." Chinese Proverb |
METHOD This curriculum emphasizes discovery learning through hands-on exercises and flexibility. Students should be encouraged to explore fascinating questions that may pop-up and probe deeper into a topic. The Kids Neighborhood Workshop can be adapted to all grade levels. Age Level - The activities are geared toward students in the 4th - 12th grade levels; however, students at elementary grade levels will need assistance from a teacher. The Workshop works best with children who are able to work cooperatively, complete a series of tasks both individually and in a group setting, and verbally express their ideas. Group activities should be conducted in groups of no more than 6 students to provide maximum opportunity for all to participate and to facilitate agreement. | ||||
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JOURNALING Students should be encouraged to keep a journal to record their observations, thoughts, sketches and photographs. This informal writing is personal and is not intended to be edited. | ||||
| MATERIALS NEEDED |
Enlist students to help gather materials:
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| READING LIST |
Research the writings, works, and lives of the following planners, engineers, landscape architects, and architects:
Daniel Burnham and the "City Beautiful Movement"
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| RESOURCES |
The The Center for Youth Citizenship is a non-profit organization which works with schools and communities to teach students the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to make sound decisions and positive contributions to their communities. CYC offers a variety of award-winning programs and resources, such as the "Picture Yourself in Local Government" student guide for different grade levels. The Center for Understanding the Built Environment is another non-profit organization which offers excellent resources for teachers and students, including Walk Around the Block and Box City. The Thomas Bros. Maps Educational Foundation is a non-profit organization bringing geography awareness to students. Their goal is to help children discover a helpful connection with their community by using local maps as a tool. Going Places, Making Choices curriculum was developed by the National 4-H Council and tested in over 150 classrooms and youth groups nationwide over a two-year period. Helps middle and high school students understand the relationship of land use and transportation, and the impact of our choices upon the environment.
Kids and Community is a website full of fun activities to explore their community developed by the American Planning Association. Go on a scavenger hunt, create crazy city stories, make a gallery, and write a poem.
Click on these links for professional organizations:
American Planning Association | ||||
