Elementary Curriculum

Kindergarten Social Studies: Me and My World

Me and My World was developed by Kindergarten teachers to reflect the integrated nature of content and skill development at this grade level. The units of learning are organized around six enduring understandings and essential questions: Integrating Literacy and Math Skills, Being a Learner, Healthy Living, Good Citizenship, Science and Senses, and Alike and Different. The building blocks of these units draw from performance standards in the disciplines of health, socials studies and science, while the skills are drawn from/align with the literacy curriculum. In these thematic units, students will use their reading, writing, listening, drawing and speaking skills to learn about themselves and their world.

Units of Study in Kindergarten include: All About Me, All About Us, All About Our School and Community, and All About Our World.

Grade 1 Social Studies: My School and Family

All elementary social studies teaching and learning is organized around the five themes of history, geography, civics, economics, and culture. In 1st grade students begin their study of these themes by exploring the structure and function of their school and family. Students also begin to learn about the importance of our civic and historical leaders, and the significance of our national landmarks and symbols. Teaching and learning goals in Grade 1 Social Studies are integrated with the language arts program to build upon literacy skills and understandings. Units of Study in 1st grade include: My School and Family and Exploring the USA.

Grade 2 Social Studies: My Community

All elementary social studies teaching and learning is organized around the five themes of history, geography, civics, economics, and culture. In 2nd grade students begin their study of these themes by exploring the structure and purpose of a variety of communities. Students also begin to learn about the importance of our local Glastonbury community. Teaching and learning goals in Grade 2 Social Studies are integrated with the language arts program to build upon literacy skills and understandings. Units of Study in 2nd grade include: Exploring Communities, Exploring Glastonbury, Exploring Mexico

Grade 3 Social Studies: World Communities

All elementary social studies teaching and learning is organized around the five themes of history, geography, civics, economics, and culture. In 3rd grade students use the lens of these five themes to study our global community and its interdependence and connections, as well as to study in-depth case studies of individual world communities. Social studies skills in 3rd grade focus on geography and citizenship. Teaching and learning goals in Grade 3 Social Studies are integrated with the language arts program to build upon literacy skills and understandings. Units of study in 3rd grade include: Our Global Community, Exploring Spain, and Exploring China.

Grade 4 Social Studies: Connecticut and Our Nation

All elementary social studies teaching and learning is organized around the five themes of history, geography, civics, economics, and culture. In 4th grade students study our state in depth as a vehicle for their understanding of these themes in practice. Student study then expands to the connections and uniqueness of the regions of the United States. Social studies skills in 4th grade focus on geographic, cultural, and civic skills. Several field studies to historical sites in Connecticut are included in the 4th grade curriculum. Content literacy skills are integrated into all 4th grade socials studies units. Units of study in 4th grade include: Exploring Connecticut and Exploring Regions of the United States.

Grade 5 Social Studies: American History

All elementary social studies teaching and learning is organized around the five themes of history, geography, civics, economics, and culture. In 5th grade the focus turns to historical comprehension and thinking. In grade 5, students study key turning points, themes, and stories in American History. Students will also view American History through the unique lens of history in our own backyard as they learn about Glastonbury history as a part of each unit. Field studies to visit the Welles-Shipman-Ward House on Main Street in Glastonbury, and the Historical Society of Glastonbury Museum are included in the 5th grade curriculum. Content literacy skills are integrated into all the American History units. Units of study in 5th grade include: Three Worlds Meet, The Colonial Experience, Tension, War and Independence, The Constitution: The Foundation of our Nation, Going West, and A Nation Divided.