Local government

Public Libraries and Parks

The two public spaces students already use, and the departments that keep them open. Sorts fact from fiction about what a library is allowed to do.

Grades 3–5~35 minNonpartisan

Word document — open it in Word, Pages, or Google Docs and adapt it for your class.

This lesson will teach about the function of and roles Public Libraries and Parks and Recs Departments have on our communities and lives, serving as important focal points of learning, communication, connection, and public health.

01 Warm-up 5 min

Warm-up question (5 minutes): Which do you like more: your local library or park? And why?

    • Have the kids share out and discuss these two questions (3 minutes)
    • Transition to talking about who manages and oversees these places, introducing concept of Public Libraries and the Parks and Recs Department
02 Lecture 10 min

Lecture Time: Slideshow presentation (<10minutes)

    • General Overview
      • Public Libraries
        • What are they?
        • What do they do?
        • How do they help the community?
        • Examples
      • Parks and Recreation Departments
        • What are they?
        • What do they do?
        • How do they help the community?
        • Examples
03 Games 2 activities

Game #1: Fiction or Non-Fiction (for Public Libraries)

  • Objective: Students have to decide if certain statements, which will be read to them, about public libraries, are true
  • (Non-Fiction) or false (Fiction), based on what they know and/or learned about Public Libraries.
  • How to play:
  • Set up the game, make sure the kids know what the terms “Fiction” and “Non-Fiction” mean for the purposes of the game and in general.
  • Designate two sides of the classroom to represent Fiction (false) and Non-Fiction (true) and make sure everyone knows that
  • Let all the kids know that they are also practicing their library skills and so they must travel from side to side using their “library feet” (tip-toeing quietly). If anyone runs across or yells, they have to go to their desk and count to ten before being able to join back the game.
    • To make the game extra fun, instructors can designate one amongst themselves to be the "Librarian" who when their back is turned after a statement is read, the students must go, but as soon as they turn around, everyone has to stop moving, otherwise they are penalised as described above, similar to the game “Red-light, Green Light”, but this added element isn’t necessary
  • Read a statement about libraries aloud. The kids are given 10 seconds to think about it and then silently tip-toe across to the side of the room they think is correct.
  • Once everyone has gone to their side, then reveal the answer and quickly explain why that's the right answer. Repeat this until all the statements are exhausted or time runs up, at which point go to the next game.
  • Statements:
  • "You have to pay five dollars every time you want to borrow a book." (Fiction! It is completely free because of our community.)
  • "You can use a computer and the Wi-Fi for free at the library." (Non-Fiction!)
  • "The library only has books. They do not have movies or video games." (Fiction! They have lots of fun media.)
  • "Librarians are there to help you find answers to your homework questions." (Non-Fiction!)
  • "If you are loud and playing tag, that is a great thing to do in a library." (Fiction! That's what Parks & Rec is for!)
  • "The library hosts fun events, like storytimes and summer reading challenges." (Non-Fiction!)
  • Game #2: Parks and Rec Statue Charades
  • Objective: To act out and guess the different services and activities provided by the Parks and Rec department.
  • How to play:
  • Have the kids either at their desk or sitting around in a circle on the floor (if there is space).
  • Pick a volunteer or call on a student and whisper the Parks and Rec activity that must be performed to them
    • These may include anything but some examples are swimming in the community pool, planting a tree, playing at a tennis court, picking up litter, having a picnic in the park, etc.
  • The student then acts out the activity silently while the rest of the class tries to guess what it is they are doing
  • If the class is getting too loud or the kids aren’t getting it, the instructor is able to yell “Freeze!” At which point the kid acting has to freeze up doing whatever it is they are doing, like a statue, and then have them reveal what it is that they are doing.
  • In the case that someone does guess correctly, they are able to be the next actor to perform in front of the class.
  • List of options to act out, including but not limited to:
  • Swinging on a swing set
  • Having a picnic
  • Flying a kite
  • Climbing the monkey bars at a playground
  • Paddling a canoe
  • Riding a bicycle
  • Walking a nature trail
  • Playing football at the community park
  • Going down a waterslide
  • Planting a tree
  • Mowing the park grass
  • Watering flowers
  • Painting a park bench
  • Picking up litter
04 Wrap-up 5 min

Wrap-up Questions (5 minutes)

    • Ask the kids one fact they learned about Public Libraries
    • Ask the kids one fact they learned about the Parks and Rec Department
    • Finally, ask the kids what changes they might make to their local parks or libraries