Social Studies

The second grade year begins with a social studies/health unit about conflict and resolution. The first bend on friendships and feelings begins with a call to create resources to teach others about solving our own problems. Classes brainstorm ways that they would like to do this (videos, skits, etc). Using literature and discussion, students explore the qualities that make a good friend and set goals for themselves. They learn about feelings and discuss how to recognize the feelings of others. Next, students explore various causes of conflicts with others and learn strategies for resolving these conflicts. Finally, students explore internal conflicts and learn strategies for resolving conflicts within themselves.

Second graders study strategies that people use to advocate for fairness and/or to help others in need. Students will engage in conversations about diversity, fairness, discrimination, and racism. In the context of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, the class will learn about people who advocated for fairness by using various strategies (speeches, marches, sit ins, boycotts). These stories will be explored through picture books, video clips, and discussions. Students will discuss strategies to stand up for others in their own lives (such as be a buddy; tell an adult). To culminate the unit, students will learn about some young, modern-day changemakers who are recognizing problems or unfairness and working to improve life for others. Examples include starting a buddy bench at recess, having drives for those in need, and forming a girls’ STEM camp. Acting as changemakers, the class will work collaboratively on a project to support others in the community. Some projects in the past have included becoming penpals with seniors and promoting the Stamp Out Hunger food donation program around town.