Children can bring classroom concepts into daily activities by learning about their local area. Learning activities involving your city are also a good idea because resources are readily available. Local universities, libraries, and state offices are common places to find local maps and historic images either in printed or online form. Google Maps allows you to edit and create your own map using drawing-like tools, which kids will enjoy. These resources can form the basis of many activities.
The best way for younger learners to start learning about the city may be to practice some universal concepts in city geography. Young students can brainstorm a list of common buildings in their area like movie theaters, fire stations, or libraries. When you are out with your child, practice drawing attention to these buildings and talking about them. Practice basic ideas in distance and direction by talking about the route you take to common destinations from school or home.
Building a good sense of direction and an ability to navigate are always valuable practical skills to review with children of all ages. Students can work on drawing their own maps of the area around school and comparing with others to see what they missed. Working with a partner on a printed map, a student can think of a place and try to give accurate directions that will lead them there.
Older elementary school students who are familiar with the basics of getting around their hometown can still find many opportunities to practice valuable social studies skills as they learn about their city. Give students starting points for researching the local government. They can do activities such as drawing charts or posters that explain the branches of local government and how they relate to everyday local services such as schools to understand their practical impact.