Unit Plan 3 (Grade 3 Social Studies): Local Government and Leaders

Focus: Explore local government and leaders by identifying the roles of the mayor, city council, and community institutions (public works, libraries, schools, parks). Students connect these roles to public services they use every day and consider how responsible citizenship (respect, inclusion, and care for shared spaces) supports local government’s work.

Grade Level: 3

Subject Area: Social Studies (Civics)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this unit, students zoom out from the classroom and school to learn about local government in their town or city. They discover who the local leaders are (such as the mayor and city council) and what kinds of public services help the community—roads, parks, trash collection, libraries, schools, and more. Through simple charts, pictures, and role-play, students match departments to the services they provide and discuss how responsible citizens support this work by following rules, respecting spaces, and helping others. They finish by creating a visual showing “Local Government & Me” that connects leaders, services, and their own citizenship.

Essential Questions

• What does a local government do, and why do towns and cities need one?
• Who are some of our local leaders, and what are their jobs (mayor, city council, departments)?
• How do public services like parks, roads, trash pickup, schools, and libraries help our daily lives?
• What does it mean to be a responsible citizen in our town or city, and how can kids help?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Describe local government and identify key leaders such as the mayor and city council, in simple terms.
2. Match selected local government departments (e.g., public works, parks and recreation, libraries, schools) to the public services they provide.
3. Explain how local government decisions and services connect to their own lives (roads, trash pickup, playgrounds, safety, learning).
4. Describe ways children can show responsible citizenship in the community, including respect, inclusion, and care for shared spaces.
5. Create a simple “Local Government & Me” product (diagram/poster/one-pager) showing at least one leader, one service, and one responsible action they can take.
6. Use basic civics vocabulary (mayor, council, department, public service, citizen, community) correctly in speech or writing.

Standards Alignment — 3rd Grade (C3-based custom)

• 3.C3.Civ.2 — Describe roles of local government and community institutions (mayor/council, public works, libraries, schools).
  • Example: Match city departments to services they provide.
• 3.C3.Civ.5 — Demonstrate responsible citizenship (respect, inclusion, digital and physical care of shared spaces).
  • Example: Draft a “Hallway Care” pledge and monitor progress.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can tell what local government is and name at least one leader (like the mayor).
• I can match a local government department (like parks or public works) to the service it provides.
• I can explain how public services (parks, roads, trash pickup, schools, libraries) help people in my community.
• I can give at least one example of how I can be a responsible citizen in my town or city.
• I can make a simple picture or chart that shows local leaders, services, and me as a citizen.