our second grade program
Social Studies/Research Workshop
Social Studies is considered a main curricular vehicle and a central organizing subject for integrating the entire curriculum. The program is well balanced (local, national, global) and leads to the cumulative and systematic study of people and their interactions. It sets the tone and lays the foundation for the social studies education that follows. In accordance with national standards, program goals include teaching students to work in small groups; to learn and understand about people in our community; to understand that we are all alike; to know about other countries (places, culture, maps, and globes); and to foster a sense of social responsibility and moral development. Respect and understanding for other cultures are central themes in the Social Studies program. Students are exposed to historical events with an emphasis on why people act and how the actions of others affect the world as a whole. The curriculum emphasizes understanding topics in depth, making connections among subject topics, and valuing research and project-based learning as fundamental methods for making meaning and recognizing connections among topics and systems. This approach ignites students' interests and helps them understand connections among world systems as they build fundamental skills, problem solving skills, abstract reasoning skills, and writing and reading skills. Role playing, beginning research and field trips are included in the curriculum. Foundations and concepts explored in Second Grade will continue to be developed as students advance to higher grade levels.
In Second Grade, the Social Studies curriculum includes:
- Communities and Conflict Resolution & Asian Cultures: Classroom community and conflict resolution; school community and focus on a community workplace; roles and responsibilities when people work together; architecture in the community; variety and commonality among Asian communities
- Skills and strategies: demonstrate interest in thematic study and contribute ideas to discussion; apply knowledge or experience to a new context; contribute cooperatively to group projects and activities; use beginning research skills through project-based activities; participate in the emergent curriculum including student- and teacher-initiated activities
- Sample program highlights: school community interviews; group research: Asian cultures; create and run school-wide post office