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In the Neighborhood
Exploring Your Hometown
By Amy Carey
Don't spend your next school holiday listening to your children cry, "We're bored!" or relying on the TV to fill in the afternoon hours. Introduce them to a place they visit every day but may not know much about: your hometown.
By getting out of the house and out into their community, you're encouraging your kids to be creative, to explore. "As a rule, kids [today] aren't encouraged to be creative – and they forget how to be," says Stephania Munson-Bishop, a long-time human service professional who publishes the ezine Tidbits from the Pantry. When they're creative, kids "find an inner self that gives them courage and pride," she says.
Where Are We?
Can your kids find your hometown on a map? Dig out a globe or world map and point to your country, state and town. While you're at it, check out TerraServer USA to see an aerial view of your region. Your children will love trying to find your neighborhood from a bird's eye view. Next, unfold a street map and search for your favorite burger place, Mom's office or the library.
Play Tourist
Does your city have a walking or bus tour? Get the perspective of visitors by jumping aboard the tour and hearing what the guide has to say about your hometown. Pick up postcards on your route and create a scrapbook showcasing the attractions of your area. Stop in a restaurant or bookstore and ask to talk to the owner or manager about what's behind the business: How long has it been there? What type of clients frequent this location? Who is the most famous visitor they've served?
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