Social Studies

In the elementary years, classes undertake themes of study that encompass a range of ideas and concepts built upon helping children see themselves as part of the larger world. Through the study of different communities and cultures, children develop an understanding of themselves and their place in history, and develop an appreciation for their similarities and differences. Learning is integrated and designed to allow students to ask questions, seek answers and develop their own understanding.

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Grades 1 & 2

Social studies themes in first and second grades cover a wide range of areas from the classroom community to the broader community. Every year the first theme is making the classroom a safe and fun place to work and play. Students think, talk and role-play about being good listeners, friends and partners. Building a connected classroom community is the foundation for all learning over the course of the year. Curiosity is the driving force, as children build their skills and identities as inhabitants of a growing existence beyond family and school. Over two years, they learn about the extended community in which they live, as well as other places and cultures in the world. In all of these areas, children build skills and learn through making and doing, such as building a town from scratch, creating maps and visiting local community buildings. Much of the social studies learning during these grade levels comes from the children drawing on personal interest, family experience and access to particular resources dependent on the year and families involved.
Grades 3 & 4

In third and fourth grades, social studies is taught in a way that supports students as concrete thinkers who are beginning to make abstract connections. Students are actively engaged in learning about themselves, different cultures, history and geography through a range of activities and projects. Students start with activities that help them examine their own identity and then build towards comparing their culture to other cultures. Students are introduced to concepts such as home, migration, human impact on environment and what happens when cultures meet. We learn about generalizations and stereotypes. We evaluate different sources of information for accurate and respectful representations of indigenous cultures from different regions in the U.S. and around the world. Students practice looking at cultural issues and historical events from multiple perspectives.