I trace a neighborhood onto three or four large pieces of white butcher paper and have students paint the neighborhood. I use 3 to 4 so that the students have enough areas to paint. Prior to this, we've done an introduction of the theme by browsing the big book and listening to the read aloud. I've also taught them what a neighborhood is and we've labled smaller scale models of a neighborhood.

Once the pieces are dry I tape the pieces together and have students add pictures of workers where they go, i.e. a firefighter near the fire station/fire engine. I also have them make construction paper homes/apt. buldings and label them with their address so that they may glue them onto the neigborhood. The opener takes two days and I use ELD time to combine this unit with the Just Around the Corner Unit from Into English. They work so well together.

Pictures of Students at Work

At the end of the unit, students are well aware of the various workers that help in our community. They are able to share their knowledge while demonstrating how to read with prosidy through Reader's Theater. I have them practice reading the part of a worker (in groups of two or three). They wear paper costumes and carry different tools a worker might wear. I invite the parents and members of our school community to view their show. They love it.