Engage:

Berenstain Bears "Pick Up and Put Away" begins at 12:00 minutes.

Civic Ideals (lesson can be downloaded here)

A Transitional Kindergarten History/Social Science unit modified from a Kindergarten unit from C3 Teachers: College, Career, and Civic Life.

Unit Overview:

The Transitional Kindergarten History/Social Science curriculum supports students in understanding the importance of being a good citizen. It provides a brief introduction to historical empathy so that students will understand how people lived and worked long ago. This reinforces the concept of good behavior and civic responsibility. Students learn how to interact respectfully with each other, follow rules, and respect the rights of others.

Lessons:

• What does responsibility look like?

• What are my responsibilities at home and at school?

• What would happen if I weren’t responsible?

Culminating Activity – Class community service project.

Rationale:

Focusing on history/social science helps students understand themselves and their place in the world (CDE, 1998a, 2005). Prior to entering TK, young learners will have developed important space, time, and causal understandings from their families and communities. These understandings help students develop a sense of place within their world. To extend these understandings, TK teachers must recognize the critical role of previous learning that is anchored in the student’s language, family, and immediate world. TK teachers should provide activities that focus on each individual’s uniqueness—home and family, classroom community, and neighborhood. Dramatic play allows children opportunities to explore and experiment with many roles from society. Additionally, a focus on self-help skills, being part of a group, and classroom responsibilities are essential in helping children to become contributing members of society.