OVERVIEW
In Kindergarten, the Massachusetts History and Social Science Curriculum Framework focuses on "Living, Learning, and Working Together." The curriculum is built around four main topics: Civics, History, Economics, and Geography.
Students in Kindergarten are beginning to develop a foundational understanding of their place in their family, school, and community. They are introduced to basic concepts that will be expanded upon in later grades. The goal is to lay a strong foundation for active citizenship and a deep understanding of the world around them.
The core themes for Kindergarten include:
Civics: Understanding classroom and community citizenship, following rules, and learning about national symbols like the American flag. They are introduced to the roles and responsibilities of a good citizen.
History: Exploring shared traditions, civic holidays, and developing an understanding of chronology by putting events in order.
Economics: Learning basic concepts about different jobs people do, how they earn money, and making choices about needs and wants.
Geography: Developing a sense of place by learning their own address and the location of their school. They are introduced to the use of maps and globes as tools to understand their world.
This framework encourages an interdisciplinary approach, linking social studies concepts to reading, writing, and communication skills to create a rich and robust learning experience.
Unit 1: Civics: Classroom Citizenship
This unit helps students understand and follow rules, take on responsibilities, and learn about U.S. national symbols.
Learning Target
I can follow rules and understand why they are important.
I can be a responsible and helpful classmate at school and a good citizen at home.
I can ask questions about why we have rules.
I can learn about the American flag, the bald eagle, "The Star-Spangled Banner," and the "Pledge of Allegiance."
Essential Questions
What does it mean to be responsible?
Why is it important to put things in order?
Questions to Ask at Home
Why are our classroom rules important?
What are some of your jobs at home?
What does it mean to be a good citizen in our community?
Can you tell me about the colors or stars on the American flag?
Unit 2: History: Shared Traditions
This unit explores civic holidays, traditions from different cultures, and how to put events in temporal order.
Learning Target
I can explain why we celebrate certain holidays.
I can talk about traditions and celebrations with my family.
I can compare my family's traditions to those of others.
I can use words like "before," "after," and "long ago" to talk about events.
Essential Questions
How do we commemorate our shared history as a nation and community?
How can we show that we are good citizens at school and in our community?
Questions to Ask at Home
What are some of our family's favorite traditions?
How is Thanksgiving like or different from another holiday you know about?
How do you celebrate your birthday?
What's a tradition you have learned about from a book?
Unit 3: Economics: Work and Commerce
This unit teaches students about different jobs people do, how they earn money, and making choices about needs and wants.
Learning Target
I can describe different jobs people have inside and outside the home.
I can explain how people earn and use money.
I can talk about the difference between something I need and something I want.
Essential Questions
What kinds of work do women, men, and children do?
How do people earn money?
Why do people work?
Questions to Ask at Home
What job does a police officer or a firefighter do?
Why do people work?
If you earned money, would you spend it on something you need or something you want?
Where do we get the money to buy groceries?
Unit 4: Geography: Connections Among Places
This unit helps students understand maps and globes, and their addresses and school location.
Learning Target
I can tell you my address, city, state, and country.
I can use maps and globes to find places.
I can describe my neighborhood and school.
Essential Questions
How do maps, globes, and photographs show different things about a place?
Where do you live?
Questions to Ask at Home
What does a map show us? What does a globe show us?
Can you tell me how to get to the playground from our house?
What are some things you see when you walk around our neighborhood?
What is the address of our school?