As a teacher, it is important to expose your students to a wide range of experiences and perspectives. One group that often goes overlooked is suburbanites. While many of us may think we understand what it means to live in the suburbs, there is a lot more to this lifestyle than just white picket fences and neatly trimmed lawns. By teaching our students about suburbanites, we can encourage empathy, understanding, and critical thinking.
Start by asking your students what they think of when they hear the word “suburbanite.” Chances are, they will mention things like big houses, SUVs, and strip malls. These are certainly common features of suburban life, but they only scratch the surface of what it means to be a suburbanite. Explain to your class that suburbanites are people who live in the suburbs, which are typically residential areas outside of cities.
One way to help your students understand suburban life is to compare it to urban and rural lifestyles. Urban areas are densely populated and tend to have a lot of diversity in terms of race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Rural areas, on the other hand, are sparsely populated and often rely on agriculture or natural resources for their economy. Suburban areas are somewhere in between, with more space and privacy than cities but typically less diversity than urban areas.
Another important aspect of suburban life is the way that people interact. Unlike in cities, where people may interact with strangers on a daily basis, suburbanites tend to have a more insular community. They may know their neighbors and attend community events, but they also tend to spend a lot of time with their families and in their homes. This can be both a blessing and a curse, as it can create a sense of community but also lead to a lack of diversity and exposure to different viewpoints.
Encourage your students to think critically about the pros and cons of suburban life. Ask them to consider things like the cost of living, access to amenities, and environmental impact. You may also want to have them research different suburbs around the country to get a sense of how they vary from place to place.
One way to make this lesson more engaging is to bring in guest speakers who can talk about their experiences living in the suburbs. This could be parents, grandparents, or community members who are willing to share their perspectives. You could also assign readings or videos about suburban life and have your class discuss them in small groups or as a whole.
Teaching students about suburbanites is an important way to broaden their perspectives and encourage empathy and understanding. By helping them understand the nuances of this lifestyle, you can prepare them to be more informed and engaged citizens.
