Lorraine,
thank you for sharing your relevant and detailed account of Houses / Where do you Live?
It is imperative for students to begin with what they themselves are familiar. In identifying different kinds of houses, it gives a focus on different types of houses, suited to different environments and different climates. I love the planning, designing and making of 3D models of the different pigs’ houses and then their own houses.
By sharing their own house styles, this can lead to comparisons and discussions. An “Architect’s Walk” of the local area would enhance learning in this area too, and also embed new vocabulary learned. There is a nice overlap with other lessons on weather and climate, on materials, and of course on art and on make & design activities.