social studies
Kindergarten
Overview
In kindergarten, the students will formulate answers to questions such as: "Who Am I?", "What is in my neighborhood?, and "What is a Family?, through integrated lessons with social studies and science. The learners will achieve these answers through questioning, developing and using models, planning and carrying out investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, designing solutions, and obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information. Students will utilize these skills to understand the importance of being an active contributing member of their community.
Unit 1
Me, My School and My Community
This unit introduces students to the structures of schools and their classmates. Students learn about the concept of respect and how that helps them get along with classmates and follow school rules. Students explore ways to solve problems and be good helpers at school. Students become more self-aware as they learn about individuality and diversity; through this they learn why it is important to respect and appreciate differences.
Unit 2
Cultural Identity
This social studies unit extends throughout the year as students explore the relationships they have with families, friends, teachers and neighbors. Students learn that people live differently in different places and that they can help care for the world.
Unit 3
Needs & Wants
In this integrated Science and Social Studies unit students are expected to describe patterns of what plants and animals need to survive. Students are to examine the relationship between the needs of different plants or animals and the places they live as well as how living things can alter their environment.
Unit 4
Earth and Human Activity
In this integrated Science and Social Studies unit students are expected to consider their place in the world and their impacts on Earth. They will examine their place in the world by learning that the world is divided into smaller segments which include countries, states, and towns. Students will learn that things that people do to live comfortably can affect the world around them, but that they can make choices that reduce their impacts on the land, water, air and other living things.