Greetings Families,

Today the kids were given homework asking that they make a map of their neighborhood. Making a map is a very new thing for all the kids. We have had no build up to this assignment. What I'm after is not a well illustrated map, but the unique view of the students world. What will happen is that every students map will have many similarities because of where they each are in development. Part of the activity is to help them begin to see the similarities and ask some big questions about why and the other part is to share more about some things in their lives that are important to them.

I share to help ease any of your confusion, as well as to help you guide your child through the process. I mean guide in it's simplest form. This project is student generated work. The parents roll, if needed should be to reiterate that it's the child perspective we are after, not google maps or an older siblings view. It's not about perfection. It's about a window into how we see the world and community building.

If you are up for playing along, after your child has drawn their map, draw a map of your own and discuss the differences and similarities. Kids may want to add to theirs after the share; however they should refrain from doing so if it more your idea, and less theirs. Questions or comments let me know. 

Kenny...