We had a carefully crafted script, but it didn't exactly go as planned. However, the reason it didn't go as planned is because the kids were SO INTO IT. We split the class up into boys and girls. (I worked with the boys' group. There's a pic of us below.) Each group was supposed to draw a map of their school and community. Then they were supposed to mark the things that they liked and didn't like on their map. Finally, they were supposed to draw in things that they would like to see in their community.
The problem was that they took soooo long to draw the map. They used tons of colors, outlined first in pencil, and even used a ruler to make every line straight. We couldn't bear to hurry this kind of craftsmanship and creativity. So, we let them take a long time drawing and then, while they were drawing, engaged them in a discussion about what they liked, didn't like, and wanted in their community. Finally each group presented by having each person say one thing about their map. We ended by discussing the similarities and differences between the maps and talking about why it was important to think about our community.
The kids wanted some really practical things: more trash cans, less alcohol, and a library. They also wanted an avocado river. Across the board, their favorite things about their school were the soccer field and the computer room. I was most impressed that so many kids mentioned that they didn't like how dirty the river was. They noticed it smelled and looked bad. In a few weeks, we are going to return to the class to teach a lesson and we're hoping to teach about how proper trash disposal can affect the river, since this is something the kids clearly care about.
All and all, the kids were great. They had a lot of energy, but they really channeled it into helping us understand the community we are living in!
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