Community Puzzle

Community Puzzle lesson plan

Are you puzzled by some of the problems you see in your community? Discuss the issues and discover how you can be part of the solution with this simple activity!

  • 1.

    While all communities across the country is diverse and unique, each can be improved in some way. Every single person can contribute something positive to help his or her town and neighbors.

  • 2.

    What can be improved about the community in which you live? Who do you know that is making a difference in your community? What can you do to help? What will happen if no one takes action?

  • 3.

    Show that every student in your class is needed to build a better community by making a large class puzzle.

  • 4.

    Roll out a large sheet of heavy paper, and carefully cut puzzles pieces for each student in the class.

  • 5.

    On your puzzle piece, use Crayola Slick Stix™ to draw what you will do to help your community. Will you volunteer at an animal shelter? Or maybe you can organize a fundraiser to benefit reading programs at the local library? Slick Stix contain pigments th

  • 6.

    Put the class puzzle together and display for the school to see! What did your classmates pledge to do? How will your community benefit if every person carries out his or her pledge?

Benefits

  • Students discuss community issues and ways to solve these problems.
  • Students recognize their ability to contribute to the well being of their community.
  • Students determine the outcomes of actions vs. inaction.
  • Students participate in visually representing their role in the community.

Adaptations

  • Challenge students to complete this activity with their families. How much more will the community benefit from including their families in making positive changes?
  • The school is a community within itself. How can students actively participate in making the school environment better? If every student pledged to stop bullying or to help a classmate that struggles with a subject in which he or she excels, how would tha
  • Share each student’s puzzle piece with the class. Are there a variety of pledges in the puzzle? Are there any community issues that still need to be addressed? Create a class plan to put these pledges into action during the school year!