Grade1 - LETTERS, RHYMES, AND NAMES

FUN COMMUNITY-BASED ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE READING READINESS AND LITERACY SUCCESS 

Parents:  If you wish to read the parent notes regarding this website, click HERE.  

Social Studies Task #1 - Nina the Naming Newt

As you complete the activity, write down at least two things that belonged in these places:

Social Studies Task #2 - Leo The Letter Loving Lobster

Visit the following places in our community to help Leo put letters into the box. When you have finished each activity, put an "X" (on your handout, not here) next to the places you have visited. 

_______ HOME

_______ STORE

_______ RESTAURANT

_______ FIREHOUSE

_______ FARM

_______ AQUARIUM

_______ SUPERMARKET

______ CONSTRUCTION SITE

_______ AIRPORT

_______ MUSEUM

_______ GARDEN

_______ ZOO

Social Studies Task #3 - Reggie the Rhyming Rhino

Visit the following places in our community to help Reggie match words that rhyme.

When you have finished each rhyming activity, put an "X" (on your handout, not here) next to the places you have visited.

_______ HOME

_______ STORE

_______ RESTAURANT

_______ FIREHOUSE

_______ FARM

_______ AQUARIUM

_______ SUPERMARKET

______ CONSTRUCTION SITE

_______ AIRPORT

_______ MUSEUM

_______ GARDEN

_______ ZOO

Grade 2 - Our Community

Stop and think about what you already know about Communities.  What is a Community?  What kinds of people work in a Community?  Write these facts on the web.  

Many people work together in a community. These people have many different kinds of jobs. 

When you enter the Community Club, you will meet some real people. You will also learn about what they do.

You will meet:

Begin your visit to the Community Club by clicking the link to the left.

TASK #1 - The Mayor

Click on the picture of the Mayor.

Read each screen.

Answer the questions.

Click on the red arrow Þ to move to the next screen.

This story is about Mayor Steve Yamashiro.

1. He is the mayor of the city of ______________________  in Hawaii.

2. He helps people solve _________________.

3. He also visits kids at schools. Mayor Yamashiro sometimes gives them _______________________.

When you have finished reading about Mayor Yamashiro, you may do the activity at the end. Answer the questions. Then click on “GO” to see how you did.  

TASK #2 - The Librarian

Next, click on the picture of the Librarian.

Read the screens.

Answer these questions.

1. Ann Kifflin is a librarian.  She helps children find ________________________.

2. She also uses a _________________ to find information.

3. Ann’s favorite time is story hour. This is when she reads to children, and they ___________________.

4. She puts a ________________ in every book.

When you have finished reading about the LIBRARIAN, you may do the activity at the end. Answer the questions. Then click on “GO” to see how you did.

More Library Fun!

The CANTON PUBLIC LIBRARY has a special kid’s place on their Internet site. 

Click the link on the left.

Here you can visit:

TASK #3 - FIREFIGHTER

Click on the picture of the Firefighter

Read the screens.

Answer these questions.

1. Danita Thomas is a firefighter.  When the fire alarm rings at the fire house where she works, she slides down a ____________.

2. Danita quickly puts on fireproof ___________ and ______________.

3. Then she puts on her ______________ and her ____________________.

4.  Danita’s fire truck carries a huge tank of ________________ to the fire.  She uses it to help put the fire out.

What kinds of things should you do when a fire starts?

When you have finished reading about the FIREFIGHTER, you may do the activity at the end. Answer the questions. Then click on “GO” to see how you did. 

TASK #4 - Veterinarian

Next, click on the picture of the Veterinarian

Read the screens.

Answer these questions.

1. Dr. Fay Vittotoe is a Veterinarian. This means that she is a doctor who takes care of ________________________.

2. Dr. Vittotoe listens to an animal’s ______________________.

3. She also looks in their ____________.  

4. Sometimes Dr. Vittotoe visits big animals on the __________________.

5. She tells farmers how to keep their animals ____________________.

6. What kinds of pets do you have?

7. What kinds of things do you do to help take care of your pets and keep them healthy?

When you have finished reading about the VETERINARIAN, you may do the activity at the end. Answer the questions. Then click on “GO” to see how you did. 

TASK #5 - Police Officer 

Next, click on the picture of the Police Officer

Read the screens.

Answer these questions.

1. Nadine Jojola is a Police Officer.  Her job is to _______________________ the people in her town.

2. She drives a police car that has a ___________________ and a ___________________.

3. Office Jojola likes to work with children. She teaches them how to stay ______________.

4. She also teaches children about _____________   ______________.

5. What are some ways that police officers help protect the town where you live?

When you have finished reading about the POLICE OFFICER, you may do the activity at the end. Answer the questions. Then click on “GO” to see how you did. 

TASK #6 - Pediatrician

Next, click on the picture of the Pediatrician.

Read the screens.

Answer these questions.

1. Dr. Grace Kuo is a Pediatrician. She is a doctor who takes care of _______________________.

2. She listens to children’s ____________________ to make sure they are healthy.

3. Dr. Kuo also checks their ___________.

4. When Dr. Kuo takes care of sick children, she checks their _________________.

5. She also looks in their _____________.

6. Make a list of your favorite kinds of healthy foods:

7. What other kinds of things can you do to stay healthy and strong?

When you have finished reading about the PEDIATRICIAN, you may do the activity at the end. Answer the questions. Then click on “GO” to see how you did. 

TASK #7 - The Pizza Maker

There are many real people in your town who work in stores and restaurants.

These people are important because they help our community be a better place to live. Find out about one of these people, named Kwaku Twamasi. He makes pizzas!

Next, click on the picture of the Pizza Maker.

Read the screens.

Answer these questions.

1. Kwaku works at a pizza parlor. His job is to make _____________________.

2. When he has flattened the pizza dough, he puts on the __________________.

3. Then he adds ________________ and _______________________.

4. Finally, he puts the pizza into a very hot _____________________ to bake.

5. What are your favorite pizza toppings?

6. Draw a picture of a pizza . Draw your favorite toppings on it. Color your picture neatly.

When you have finished reading about the PIZZA MAKER, you may do the activity at the end. Answer the questions. Then click on “GO” to see how you did. 

THINK ABOUT IT

Think about all that you have learned about the people who work together to make your community a nice place to live.

Which job do you think you would like to have when you grow up?  Tell why.

Can you think of any other people who work in your community?  List them.

Grade3 - JAPAN A Scavenger Hunt For Interesting Japanese Facts

THINK ABOUT IT!

Before you begin your scavenger hunt, here are some ways to help you understand and remember better as you read about Japan:

1. Stop and think about what you already know about JAPAN and the Japanese people.  Think about their customs and traditions, their homes, the kinds of food they eat, and where this island nation is located.

2.  Record these facts on the “WHAT I ALREADY KNOW” section of the KWL (“What I Know”) sheet.

When you are finished with your packet, fill in the last two sections of your KWL sheet:

TASK #1 - NATURE & CLIMATE

 Click on the link on the left.

Answer the following questions:

1. How many square kilometers of land does Japan have?

2. What is the population of Japan (or, how many people live there)?

3. The country of Japan often has serious natural disasters. List 5 of them

*CLICK ON THE  Q&A QUESTIONS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE TO ANSWER THE FOLLOWING:

4. Name the highest mountain in Japan.

5. Japan has approximately 188 kinds of wild mammals. Name at least 5 of them.

6. How many species of birds are there in Japan?

7. During the fall season in Japan, the chirping of insects is considered to be poetic. Because of this, they are often the subject of many Japanese poems.  How many species of insects are there in Japan?

8. What is the coldest temperature ever recorded in Japan (in Celsius & Fahrenheit)?

9. The hottest summer weather to be found in Japan is around the city of Tokyo and in some other parts of Japan’s main island, Honshu. How high can the temperature climb (in Celsius & Fahrenheit)? 

10. List a few of the kinds of plants and trees found in Japan (at least 5).

11. Click on “Why do the Japanese like cherry blossoms so much?” at the bottom of the page.  After you read the first paragraph, write a summary that gives an answer to this question.

12. Draw a picture of the cherry blossoms (or sakura) in the space below. Click on “What are the typical plants of Japan?” to see a picture.  Color your illustration neatly.

TASK #2 - MAP OF JAPAN

  Click on the MAP OF JAPAN link.

You will notice that the pink portions of the map show places on the continent of Asia.  The island nation of Japan is located just east of Asia, at the western edge of the Pacific Ocean. The map of Japan is shown in different colors.

Check off the following locations as you find them on the map:

Schools

Click on the link to the left.  Use this link to help you answer the questions below:

1. When do Japanese children enter first grade?

2. How long do they attend elementary school?

3. What are some of the things Japanese students study in school?

4. Japanese students attend Middle School for three years. What language is then added to their list of subjects to study?

5. How many students are usually in a Japanese elementary school classroom? 

6. Most middle school students are required to wear uniforms. Do you think this is a good idea? Give reasons why you do or do not think so.

7. All Japanese students are required to attend school through what grade?

Click on the Q & A questions at the bottom of the page to help you answer these questions:

8. Many Japanese schools give children two 20-minute breaks each day for recess. What kinds of games do Japanese children like to play during their recess time?

9. Elementary Japanese students often do math drills and learn kanji. What is kanji?

10. Draw some sample kanji characters. Underneath each kanji character, write what it means.

11. What do Japanese students do if there is an earthquake while they are in school?

TASK #3 - SCHOOLS (continued)

*Click on these questions found at the bottom of the page, and read the information.

TASK #4 - SPORTS

Click on the SPORTS link to 
answer these questions: 

1. Name some of the popular sports in Japan.

2. How many Olympic Games have been held in Japan?

3. Little League baseball is popular in Japan.  How many Little League teams are there in that country?

4. What is “rubberball baseball?”

 Task # 5 - OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

 Click on OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM link to find the answer to these questions:

(NOTE:  You may also use the Q&A questions at the bottom of the page to help you.)

5. Japanese children like to spend their free time in a variety of ways.  What kinds of

6. Are there any of these things that you like to do in your spare time, too?

7. What is a joku?

8. Just like in America, Japanese children enjoy watching television. List some of the kinds of programs they like to watch.

*Also read the answers to these Q&A questions for more fun facts about Japan:

9. “Do Japanese kids get an allowance?”

10. “Do mothers work in Japan?”

11. “What do Japanese children enjoy doing with their families?”

TASK #6: - DAILY LIFE

Click on the DAILY LIFE link.

Then, answer these questions:

1. Describe what a traditional Japanese house looks like.

2. Rice is usually a part of a traditional Japanese diet. Name some other foods the Japanese like to eat.

* Click on the Q&A questions at the bottom of the page to help you find these facts:

3. Why do the Japanese take off their shoes when they come into a house?

4. What kinds of pets do the Japanese people like to have?

5. What types of things are found in a Japanese room?

Other Fun Web Sites about Japan:

*Be sure to visit these other fascinating web sites to learn more interesting facts about the country of Japan and its people.

KID’S WINDOW: This terrific web site gives you a tour of a Japanese community

GLOBAL KID CONNECTION: Japan. This Scholastic Web site gives kids a wonderful opportunity to hear what kids from Japan have to say about their own country, as well as more fun facts about this beautiful island nation.

TRANSLATE ENGLISH TO JAPANESE

We trust that you have enjoyed your Scavenger Hunt for cool facts about Japan. Hopefully, as you visited this web site, you learned that life for Japanese and American children is both alike and different in many ways—and that you really do share many of the same likes and interests.

 Now that you have completed your Japanese Scavenger Hunt adventure, be sure to fill in the last two sections of the KWL sheet you started before your adventure began.

Grade 4 LET’S TAKE A TOUR 
An Internet Scavenger Hunt For U.S. Government Facts

 TASK #1:Our Nation  

Visit the BEN’S GUIDE TO U.S. GOVERNMENT FOR KIDS web site

Click the link above.

Then answer these questions:

1. How many of the 50 states are considered to be the continental United States? 

2. What country borders the United States to the north?

3. What country borders the United States to the south?

Click on the flag to continue!

FILL IN THE FOLLOWING U.S. QUICK FACTS:

 TASK # 2 WASHINGTON, D.C.

  Click on the map to Continue your U.S. government tour

Answer the following questions:

1. Where was the first capital city of the United States located?

2. Where did George Washington take the oath of office when he became the first president of the United States?

3. President Washington had to help decide on a permanent location for our country’s capital.  As part of a compromise, where was the capital moved to in 1791?

4. Finally, the U.S. capital was moved to an area that included lands from the states of Maryland and Virginia.  It was named Washington, after our first president. It is located in the District of Columbia (D.C.). Who was the District of Columbia named after?

QUICK FACTS ABOUT WASHINGTON, D.C. - click the flag

TASK # 3: National Symbols

Click the eagle to continue your U.S. government tour

Answer the following questions:

1. List the three GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS that Ben tells us are considered to be national symbols of the United States

2. There are many STATUES and MEMORIALS that are also considered to be national symbols of our country.  List them according to their category:

Those that Honor the Memory of former U.S. Presidents

Those Dedicated to the Men and Women Who Have Served in the United States Armed Forces:  In other words, those who have been in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard

Those Celebrating the Ideas of Liberty and Independence

Click on MOUNT RUSHMORE

Note that this memorial contains the faces of four great U.S. Presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

Imagine that you are given the task of choosing another U.S. President’s face to carve onto Mount Rushmore.  Which U.S. President would you choose?  Tell why you feel he should be added.  Be convincing! 

Draw a picture showing Mount Rushmore with this new president’s face added. Be sure to color your illustration neatly.

SYMBOLS
To continue the tour, click on each of the following SYMBOLS:

Read the information given about each of these national symbols.

Why do you think it’s so important for our country to have national symbols like the Statue of Liberty and the Liberty Bell to symbolize freedom? Think about what they have meant to the immigrants who have come here. Also, consider and use our Core Democratic Values as you write).

Other fun sites to visit:

The Liberty Bell:  http://www.ushistory.org/libertybell/index.html 

The Statue of Liberty: www.nps.gov

Which of these NATIONAL SYMBOLS is your favorite? Give reasons why.  Be sure to use complete sentences when you write.

*Draw a picture of your favorite symbol. Color it neatly.

TASK #4 - CITIZENSHIP

*Continue your U.S. government tour by clicking onto the CITIZENSHIP link to the left.

Read and answer the following questions:

1.  Why is the United States sometimes called “the melting pot?”

Click on the BECOMING A U.S. CITIZEN link at the bottom of the page to answer the question about CITIZENSHIP.

2.  When a person from another country wants to become a U.S. citizen, they must do three things. This process is called naturalization. Name those three things.

Click on the RESPONSIBILITIES OF CITIZENS link at the bottom of the page to answer the question about question below.

3.  Citizens of the United States have the ability to participate in our government. Because of this, they have certain responsibilities, or duties. Name these responsibilities:

The most important is the right to _______________________________.  To serve on a ______________________________.  To obey the ___________________ of the _______________________, ___________________________, and __________________________ in which he or she lives.

TASK #5:  BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT

Continue your U.S. government tour by clicking onto the BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT link to the left.

 Answer the following questions:

When the Founding Fathers of our country wanted to form a government, they decided that they did not want to allow one person to have too much power. They knew from past experience with the British King that this could be a very bad thing. Because of this, when they were writing the Constitution, they decided to form three branches of government that could work together so that our country would run smoothly. This also made sure that the rights of citizens would be protected.

The three branches of government are the EXECUTIVE BRANCH, the JUDICIAL BRANCH, ad the LEGISLATIVE BRANCH.

1.  THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

Click the link to the left.  Answer the following question:

The Legislative Branch is made up of Congress. What is it's power?

2.  THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH

Click the link to the left.  Answer the following question:

 The Executive Branch of our government includes the President and the Vice President of the United States.  This branch of government makes sure of what?

3.  THE JUDICIAL BRANCH

Click the link to the left.  Answer the following questions:

The Judicial Branch of our government is made up of what?   It includes the __________________________ ___________________, which is the highest court in our land.

Next, click on THE SUPREME COURT at the bottom of the page to learn more fun facts! Then answer these questions.

 THE SUPREME COURT

1. How many justices (or judges) does the Supreme Court have?

2. How long do the Supreme Court justices keep their jobs?

3. Do you think that allowing Supreme Court justices to keep their jobs for such a long time is a good idea?  Tell why you do or do not think so. What are the advantages and/or disadvantages?

4. Name the former U.S. president who was appointed as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court after he left office.

WRAP UP THE TOUR

There are still many wonderful places to visit on BEN’S GUIDE TO U.S. GOVERNMENT FOR KIDS, such as THE ELECTION PROCESS and HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS.

Before ending your tour, be sure to visit the following fun places on this web site, as well:

THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN  OUR U.S. GOVERNMENT TOUR ACTIVITIES!

We hope you enjoyed the trip!

Grade 5 Let's Tour Washington, D.C.

Awesome Hints to Help You Read and Understand Better as
You Do your Summercise Research:

1. Stop and think about what you already know about our nation’s capital—Washington, D.C.
2. Record these facts on the web on the next page of this packet
3. As you read, remember to use the SQ3R strategy

Before you begin your Summercise Tour, think about all of the things you already know about WASHINGTON D.C.  See if you can write down 5 facts on the star before you begin!

Task #1:  Visit the National Mall (www.nps.gov/nama)

Explore the site above to get a quick tour of Washington, D.C.’s National Mall. While you’re there, find the answers to the following questions:

1. Name the three national parks that make up the National Capital-Parks Central.
2. How any presidential and war memorials are there in the National Capital Parks-Central?  List these memorials.
3. Name two examples of "first amendment activities" that have occurred at the National Capital-Parks Central.

Go back to the "National Mall" link to visit the various monuments and memorials that make up the Mall. You will find this under "National Mall Includes," or you can click on the "In Depth" button to get more information about each place:

4. List what each of the columns in the Lincoln Memorial stands for.

5. Where is the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial located?

6. What is the purpose for creating the Vietnam Veterans Memorial?
7. When was Thomas Jefferson’s statue brought to the Jefferson Memorial?
8. Name the memorial that bears the inscription: "Our nation honors her sons and daughters who answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met?"  What do you suppose this statement means?
9. Where do the commemorative stones in the Washington Monument stairwell come from?
10. What famous home is in President’s Park?

Task #2:  Touring the Capitol : www.senate.gov/vtour/index.html

Enjoy an interactive virtual tour of our nation’s government. Explore two rooms in the Capitol building, while learning lots of interesting historical information.

Write a summary about each area of the building that you visit. Be sure to include interesting historical facts, as well as information about the objects found in these rooms.

To change areas, simply click on "NEXT ROOM" at the top of your screen.

Takes notes on the Old Supreme Court Chamber and the Old Senate Chamber but feel free to check out all the rooms!  It's almost like being there.