A Napa Coloring Book
3rd Grade Lesson Plan: What Is a Landmark?
OBJECTIVES: Raise awareness and understanding of the function and impact of landmarks on our community.
MATERIALS: 1. Crayons, markers or colored pencils; 2. Graphite pencils; 3. Sketching paper; 4. Examples of landmarks
(included in A Napa Coloring Book); 5. Enlarged copies of cutouts on reverse; 6. Scissors; 7. Ruler; 8. Tape and/or glue.
ACTIVITY: Start with the question, “What is a landmark?” Then ask: “Can you name some famous landmarks in
America?” “What about some landmarks in Napa County?”
A landmark can be any prominent neighborhood feature recognized by the people who live there – be it a natural
feature (like the “Old Faithful Geyser” in Calistoga), something human-made (like the Grape Crusher Statue south of
Napa on Highway 29), or even a combination of the two (like the “Man with the Pipe” rock formation on Monticello
Road/Highway 121 or the “moose tree” formerly located in Napa’s Browns Valley neighborhood). In architecture, a
landmark is typically a building that a community relates to in a given area. For example, neighborhood landmarks
could include your school as well as other prominent buildings like city hall, the police station, a hospital, or even a
statue. [A Napa Coloring Book includes examples of some well-known Napa County landmarks – from Monticello Dam
and the Bale Grist Mill to the “Old Adobe”.]
In general, a building has to be at least 50 years old to be considered an historic landmark. Historic landmarks can be
considered significant for their association with important people or events, their architectural style, or method of
construction. A “landmark district” can be an entire neighborhood recognized by people as having historic importance
or characteristics that make it distinct from others.
Discuss the importance of landmarks with students. Landmarks “anchor” a neighborhood and can help give an area a
unique sense of place.
Have students prepare a list of landmarks in their immediate community, in greater Napa County and in California.
What makes them prominent or unique? Select a specific landmark and discuss the importance of its location with
respect to other buildings and the environment. Discuss the history, symbolism or meaning of the landmark. Prepare
a list of world famous landmarks for comparison. How do landmarks make us feel? Safe and secure? (e.g.,
neighborhood park) Proud? (e.g., Statue of Liberty) Can landmarks ever be “negative”? (e.g., burned-out or
abandoned buildings) How do they make us feel about our neighborhood when we see them?
Have students create a drawing of a landmark within their neighborhood or city area.
Provide students with enlarged copies of selected cutouts on reverse to be colored, cut out and assembled.
(These and additional cutouts are available on www.napacountylandmarks.org)