A House is a House for Me

by Mary Ann Hoberman

is a warm, rollicking rhyme about houses—some familiar, some surprising—with colorfully detailed pictures. It is a favorite one of mine that makes you think about all the kinds of houses that are found in the world.

First share these group of sources to determine how they are the same and different. Think about each structure to determine: Why the house was built? Who built the house? For what purpose? What material was used and why?  Why do you think that material was used? The questions are endless!

Then allow students to design a house for themselves or for a family. Provide art materials such as buttons, macaroni, fruit loops, recycled items, playdough or use it as a family project that the whole family could enjoy creating. Create groups or create on their own finding any kind of material to create a new house made of_________ and why they built that kind of house with that kind of material. I think it would be great to have them put a picture of themselves or their family into the creation as a bonus! What a great way to start your year off having your students think!

• Add addresses to learn your address
• Create a map of with your creations adding the streets
• Check out You Tube for some very interesting videos on unique houses found all over the world
• Create a City of Uniqueness.