Types of Communities | Learn about communities for kids and help them learn how to identify them

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Communities are made up of people who live in close proximity to one another. Some homes are spread out, while others are very close together or even stacked on top of each other. You might have a yard or a balcony, or perhaps you share a common area with neighbors.

Regardless of the distance between us, all people live in a community. A community is a place where different groups of people reside. The members of a community, whether small or large, like a town, state, or country, are called citizens. Citizens in the same community usually follow the same rules, which can vary depending on where you live.

For example, there may be rules in your community that prohibit loud music late at night to respect those trying to sleep. Another rule might be that cars cannot be parked on the street during winter to allow snow plows to clear the roads. Some communities allow residents to raise animals in their backyards, while others do not.

Rules exist in all communities to help people coexist peacefully. Most community rules are referred to as laws. An example of a law is stopping at a red light and proceeding when it turns green. Without rules, things could become chaotic; imagine the accidents that could occur if people didn’t stop at red lights or didn’t go when the light turned green.

Rules and laws help us protect and respect one another. Following them makes you a good citizen or member of your community. However, being a good citizen involves more than just obeying the laws; it also includes helping others. While helping others may not be a legal requirement, it is an important aspect of being a responsible community member.

Can you think of some responsibilities you have at home? Perhaps you have daily chores like cleaning your room or making your bed. Each person in a household may have different responsibilities, such as going to work, cleaning, or preparing meals. Everyone contributes to the family unit, ensuring that the house is clean, meals are prepared, and bills are paid.

Similarly, in your community, each family unit takes responsibility for the well-being of the community. Think about some things you might do outside your home for your community. Do you pick up litter if you see it on the street? Do you ensure your trash goes into the proper receptacle? Are you mindful of noise levels if you have neighbors nearby? If you see a lost pet, do you help find its owner? These actions contribute to being a good citizen, not just in your own community but in others you may visit as well.

Communities often engage in activities together, such as parades, fundraisers, and neighborhood picnics.

There are three main types of communities: urban, suburban, and rural. Each type is different, but they all have citizens, neighbors, laws, and responsibilities.

Urban communities, or cities, are characterized by a high population density. They often feature tall buildings, such as skyscrapers, which serve as offices and apartments. In cities, people live close together, and there may not be many backyards due to space constraints. Public transportation, like taxis and buses, is commonly used. Urban areas often have parks where residents can enjoy outdoor activities, as well as community centers for recreation.

Suburban communities are medium-sized areas located near large cities. They typically have a mix of different-sized homes, many of which have lawns or garages. Suburban residents often commute to the city for work. These communities usually have parks, fields, and shopping centers, with fewer inhabitants than urban areas but more than rural ones.

Rural communities have a lot of open land, including farms and forests, and fewer homes. In these areas, houses can be quite far apart, sometimes even miles apart. Life in rural communities tends to be quieter and slower-paced compared to urban areas. Residents may need to drive longer distances to access services and amenities.

Understanding the differences between urban, suburban, and rural communities can help you identify the type of community you live in. Citizens in all three types come from diverse cultural backgrounds, which contributes to the uniqueness of each community. This diversity enriches our experiences, offering various foods, traditions, and celebrations.

Respecting the individuality of each person in a community fosters good citizenship and promotes harmony. All communities have schools and places where children can learn and play together. In urban areas, there may be many schools with a large number of students, while suburban children might walk or take a bus to school. In rural areas, students often face longer bus rides, and there may be only one or two schools for all the children in the community.

Despite the differences among communities, both adults and children enjoy working, playing, laughing, and having fun with their families and neighbors. Remember, whether urban, suburban, or rural, all communities consist of citizens, neighbors, laws, and responsibilities. Everyone in a community should strive to get along and respect each other’s differences for the community to thrive.

Being part of a community is a wonderful experience.

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