TITLE:  Learning a New Environment

AUTHOR:  Dianne Elaine Hill, West Junior High School,
         Muskogee, OK.

GRADE LEVEL/SUBJECT:  Appropriate for grades K-2.

OVERVIEW:  Lower elementary students have a difficult time
adjusting to a new environment. If they feel comfortable in
their surroundings, then learning can take place.

PURPOSE: This activity, which should be introduced at the
beginning of the school year, is to orientate students to
their surroundings.

OBJECTIVE(s): As a result of this activity, the students
will:
1.   Locate specific places in the school on a map.
2.   Visit specific places in the school setting such as
     principal's office, restrooms, lunch room and
     playground.
3.   Learn rules and responsibilities associated with
     specific settings including places within the school
     that are off limits.

RESOURCES/MATERIALS:  Butcher paper, markers, individual
maps of the building, crayons, construction paper, scissors,
story book.

ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:
1.   The teacher will make a large wall map of specific
     places within the school building with white roll
     paper. Different colors should be used for each place.
2.   The teacher should prepare doors, water fountains, etc.
     with construction paper in the same color as specific
     places shown on the classroom map.
3.   The student will be given a small outline map. They
     will locate specific areas and color them to match
     large wall map. Off limit places will be marked with an
     X.
4.   The students will use individual maps to answer teacher
     made multiple choice questions orally.
5.   The teacher will take the students on a building tour
     (along with maps and markers) as they visit each area
     stop long enough for students to mark the maps. They
     will learn the rules of each area.
6.   The students will make a special trip to the
     principal's office, and as a special treat the
     principal will read a story to them.
7.   The student will color the individual maps of the
     school setting. They will cut the map into pieces and
     use as a puzzle.

TYING IT ALL TOGETHER: It can be used at the beginning of
the year to orientate students to their surroundings. If
students feel welcome and warm, it enhances the learning
process. When they know and respect the rules of the school
setting, makes the environment a better place for everyone
involved.