One site opens with a children's choir singing about their state. Another opens with an official proclamation by the town council, proclaiming the Web site as the official town site. Another displays maps constructed of milk cartons and other handmade creations that represent their town, its buildings and its sites. One offers agricultural statistics, detailing the number of acres for different crops and amount of livestock across for 40 years. Others offer in-depth timelines, detailing historical and current events of the town.
Students present virtual tours of their towns through their eyes, providing a fascinating look at what's important to them. Students share pictures they take of local sites, local businesses and people in their community. Some students even draw their own pictures to represent local businesses. Students learn about local businesses and the services of local organizations and share information about them on the town web sites, providing information unlike any advertising materials you'll find. For example, students will tell you where to find the best tasting (and least expensive) ice cream in town and which parks offer the best facilities for different activities.
After field trips to local sites and activities, teachers have students share what they see and learn at their town sites. Students interview older relatives and people in their communities and share stories one would never find in history texts, but tell so much about their town. For example, one student summarized the experiences of a grandmother who had been a teacher in the 30's in a one-room schoolhouse that no longer exists. What a gem for others to read.
Students raise questions that many people may wonder about a town (but may be too embarrassed to ask), then offer the answers that expand everyone's knowledge about the town. Towns offer Q&A sections, monthly interesting facts, even quizzes. And if it's history you want to know, you'll find tidbits way beyond what you'll find in any textbooks. And we suspect, as these communities expand their Web sites, the stories and personal insights gained from oral histories, family memories (and people's attics) will only increase.
Sites offer local calendars and timely reviews of local plays and activities. Sites even offer written works -- poetry, essays and children's stories -- for all to enjoy. Plus, communities find that town sites are a great place to showcase local accomplishments -- from student awards to profiles of sports and other celebrities from their town.
Many town sites offer detailed descriptions of local community services. In addition, students in many communities helped develop Web pages for local nonprofit organizations as part of the "Adopt a Community Group" competition offered last year. It's always exciting to see students give of themselves to help others in their community. We know these local nonprofits appreciate the help the students provided.
If you have not already visited Our Town, we invite you to do so. We believe you will be as excited as we are by what you find. The opportunity to learn about each other's communities is expanding with each new town that registers.
If your town's site is already part of the growing number of sites involved in Our Town, we applaud the creativity and spirit of your students, educators and communities. Keep up the great work and keep involving more students and aspects of your community in your efforts.
If your town has not yet started a Web site, we encourage you to visit Our Town and hope these wonderful sites will inspire you to start the project in your community. If your town has already begun a web site -- maybe one being run by a local business or government agency -- find out how students can get involved. For example, students might take over responsibility for specific sections that tie into current classroom activities, such as history or environmental science. Students will learn a lot, they can provide the manpower to expand a site significantly, and they can provide refreshing insights about your town. You'll also feel the pride others feel about their town being represented on the World Wide Web. Who knows, maybe your town will be a winner in the Our Town contests this year.