our kindergarten program
Social Studies
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 introduced in Kindergarten will form the building blocks for expansion as the students progress in further grade levels.
In Kindergarten, the Social Studies curriculum includes:
- Individual Identity and Group Membership & American Culture: Sharing what I know best: myself and my family; the immediate community: citizenship in the classroom; the greater community: American roots and heritage, our variety of traditions and celebrations; the global community: unique environments and habitats
- Instruction through research workshop and project-based learning focused upon central themes and emergent interests
- Skills and strategies: demonstrate interest in thematic study and contribute ideas to discussion; participate in the emergent curriculum: student and teacher initiated activities; use beginning research skills through project-based activities; apply knowledge or experience to a new context; contribute cooperatively to group projects and activities
- Sample program highlights: National Aquarium & Zoo field trips; project-approach celebrations