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Overview
The goal of the Farmington social studies program is to help students become knowledgeable, thinking, and active citizens. They develop understanding by engaging in inquiry and investigation about topics related to history, civics, geography and economics. Students focus on developing their skills to analyze issues from multiple perspectives, develop claims and support them with evidence, and take informed action.
Units of Study
Geography & Me
Dear First Grade Families,
We are starting our geography unit to learn more about our community and places around the world. We will focus on climate and how that impacts the way people live. We will also look at how humans adapt to the environment in which they live.
Students will be using maps to locate their own place in the world. Please have a conversation with your child about where they live and complete the homework with them. This will help them make their one “Me on a Map” book.
In addition, we are learning to use maps and collecting some for our classroom. If you have any print maps (old road maps, trail maps, ski trails, amusement park maps, house or building blueprints) that you would be willing to donate, please send them in.
Lastly, as part of this unit, we will begin to explore the Engineering Design Process at the end of the unit. We will be reaching out to ask for some materials to use for this process.
We encourage you to have conversations with your child about what they are learning in this unit. When you are out and about with your child, please look for maps and take pictures to share. Consider taking a walk and explore street signs in your neighborhood.
Ways to Support Your Child in Social Studies
Supporting a first-grade student in social studies can be both fun and educational. Here are some effective ways parents can help:
Maps and globes: Use maps and globes to teach basic geography. Show your child where they live and locate different countries, oceans, and continents.
Field trips: Visit local museums, historical sites, or cultural centers to bring history and geography lessons to life. (link to free museum passes at the bottom of this page!)
Storytelling: Read age-appropriate books and stories about historical figures, events, and different cultures.
Talk about the world: Discuss current events in a simple, child-friendly way. Relate them to your child’s life to make them more understandable.
Family history: Share family stories and traditions to help your child understand their heritage and the concept of history.
Arts and crafts: Create crafts related to social studies topics, such as building models of landmarks or making cultural art projects.
Role-playing: Act out historical events or pretend to visit different countries, using costumes and props.
Technology and media: Watch age-appropriate documentaries or shows that explore history, geography, and cultures.
Create a Timeline: Make a simple timeline of historical events or family history.
Travel Diary: If you travel, even locally, keep a travel diary with notes and drawings about the places you visit.
Encourage curiosity: Encourage your child to ask questions about the world and find the answers together.
Learn more: Regularly visit the library to check out books on social studies topics of interest.
Cooking together: Make recipes from different cultures to explore various cuisines and traditions.
Cultural celebrations: Participate in or learn about different cultural festivals and holidays.
Join others: Participate in community groups or clubs focused on history or cultural exchange.
Get involved: Volunteer together for community projects to teach your child about civic responsibility and community involvement.
Be enthusiastic: Show enthusiasm for learning about social studies topics yourself. Your interest can be contagious.
Stay informed: Stay informed about what your child is learning in school and find ways to expand on those topics at home.
By incorporating these activities and approaches, parents can help their first-grade students develop a strong foundation and a lasting interest in social studies.
Additional Resources
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