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Munjoy Hill Businesses

School: East End Community School

City/State: Portland, ME

Grade(s): 2, 3

Format(s): Brochure

Subject(s): English Language Arts, Social Studies

Project Overview

This tri-fold brochure was created by 2nd and 3rd graders from the East End Community School in Portland, Maine as part of a learning expedition about their neighborhood.

The purpose of the project was to help students learn about their neighborhood via several of the local businesses. Students walked through the neighborhood and interviewed business owners and employees. Students took digital photographs of each business.

The neighborhood in which this school is located is fairly low income – one of the poorest in Portland. This project was in part a means for generating pride and understanding about the neighborhood, creating something that could be handed out to new residents.

How This Project Can Be Useful

  • Shows an example of a community-based project that connects students with local businesses
  • A project that provides a legitimate reason for exploring the community (i.e. authentic fieldwork) and simultaneously helps businesses understand kids better
  • Done on a larger scale, this project idea could be very useful in many urban communities in building a local business guide
  • The writing is carefully done, though exemplifies the simple style (and interests) of young writers

Common Core State Standards

Standard Long Term Learning Target
W.2.2
  • I can construct a closure on the topic of an informative/explanatory text.
W.2.8
  • I can answer questions about things I’ve done or learned about.
W.3.4
  • With support from adults, I can produce writing that is appropriate to task and purpose.
SL.2.3
  • I can answer questions to show what I know when listening to a speaker.
L.2.1
  • I can use grammar conventions to send a clear message to a reader or listener.
L.2.2
  • I can use conventions to send a clear message to my reader.
L.3.6
  • I can accurately use 3rd grade academic vocabulary to express my ideas.
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