4 Fast Tips for Lessons that Link the Classroom to the Local Community

As educators and creators of educational resources, our goal is to encourage our students to make the world a better place. While world-changing might seem a lofty goal, educators know they have an invaluable resource at their disposal when it comes to demonstrating to their students that they are capable of making an impact: the local community.

The community in which students live is rich with investigation opportunities, learning experiences, and people willing to impart wisdom. Harnessing these local resources in educational settings is a great way to make learning memorable, relevant, and fun! The connections students make from their classroom to the ‘real world’ are instrumental to their realization that they are able to make a difference.
 
Here are some quick ideas for creating engaging lessons in partnership with your local community:
 
1. Take Advantage of Local Geography
Our natural world is a source of endless fascination and curiosity—there’s no better way to get students involved in learning than to immerse them in it! Visiting an ocean or a mountain may not always be feasible, but there are plenty of opportunities to get creative with the natural resources within the community.
 
If there’s a park or a river nearby, plan a class trip to visit it. If no trips can be arranged, even a short walk around the school neighborhood can produce interesting revelations about the environment. Encourage students to take pride in the area they live in and ask them for ideas on how it can be preserved or improved.
 
2. Bring in a Local Professional
It can sometimes be a challenge to articulate to students why a particular concept matters, or in what instance they will use a certain skill in their ‘real life.’ In this case, phone a friend or ask around for a local professional who might be willing to be a guest speaker.
 
For example, an algebraic theory can be explained differently from a person who works in finance. The importance of persuasive essays might not be clear to students until they hear a lawyer’s take on the subject. A change in perspective can help students see the relevance of knowledge outside of the classroom.
 
3. Make Your Own Community Connections
If there is no obvious tie between lesson content and community, get creative! Any topic can be tied to serving the local area. Use designated writing techniques in letters to local government officials. Organize a class-wide food drive and ask students to sort items by weight, shape, or ingredients. Knowing your community’s needs can help you effectively match lesson content to community values.
 
4. Listen to Student-Led Discussions
Ask students where they see room for improvement in their local community. Their answers might inspire you to take lessons outside the classroom and comfort zone, where empowering, important, world-changing learning happens naturally.