Our social studies curriculum introduces children to the rich web of relationships that characterizes how people interact with each other. These relationships may be personal, historical, ethical, cultural, geographic, economic, or political in nature. Our program addresses two key elements of the Windrush mission: - to foster a respect for individuals and the diversity of the world
- to instill a sense of responsibility for self and others
Learning about history and social dynamics supports students’ social and emotional development, critical thinking skills, and cultural knowledge. Students learn to appreciate other points of view and to work cooperatively in groups. They interpret maps and historical artifacts, and evaluate the efficacy of an argument. They learn to appreciate the contributions of cultures and historical periods. Each of these skills is integrated with others. Each year these basic understandings are deepened, enriched, and extended. Because social relationships are woven into all aspects of culture, our social studies program includes language arts, math, science, and art. Stories, folk tales, and biographies are used to teach history. Current events, holidays, art and local exhibits, dramatic productions or musical events may provide the starting point for an immersion in another culture. Learning about charts, graphs, and maps may involve the use of mathematical or scientific concepts. Time and space may be explored through topics involving science, art, and literature as well as history and geography. Inquiry skills are developed as students gather oral interview data, research current controversies, and explore ways to improve our society.
Kindergarten—Learning About Myself and Others Building self-esteem by celebrating each child’s individuality is a primary focus during this year. As the uniqueness of each person in the class is celebrated, students learn about different families and cultures in our school. Creating a community in which each child is a valued member of the group is a vital part of the kindergarten program. Children learn social and conflict resolution skills to help them work and play cooperatively. Windrush students are encouraged and expected to recognize their own rights, to respect the rights of others, and to use words to solve conflicts. In kindergarten, children participate in making rules for a community in which people respect and cooperate with others.
Grades One and Two: People and Communities—A Child’s Place in Time and Space The first and second grade social studies program is literature based and interdisciplinary. Children actively engage in meaningful projects that help them understand themselves, others, and communities. The themes and topics covered reflect a multicultural perspective. The first major unit each year is “Cooperation.” Learning to work together and to communicate clearly are necessary foundational skills for the rest of the year. Cooperative learning experiences help the children develop social skills and responsibilities. As the children share their family histories and celebrations, they gain a perspective of life now and long ago. The study of Africa or Asia provides opportunities to learn about people, other communities, and geography. Students also learn about civil rights, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Cesar Chavez.
Grade Three: Overcoming Barriers—The Bay Area Children of the Bay Area are fortunate to reside in one of the world’s most exciting and diverse metropolitan communities. The Bay Area, with both its native inhabitants and its newcomer residents, forms the central focus of third grade inquiry in both science and social studies. Central to the program is a year-long comparison between life long ago and life today, supported by the theme that people work together to solve problems and to overcome barriers. Topics include Immigration and Heritage, Biographical Research of Women and People of Color, Individuals Who Made a Difference, Native Peoples of the Bay Area, and Holiday Traditions of Many Cultures.
Grade Four: California—A Changing State The fourth grade social studies curriculum is designed to help children address four key questions: How are people dependent upon natural resources? How do humans the natural environment? How can studying the past help us to understand the present and make decisions about the future? What viewpoints do we need to consider when exploring the past? Throughout the fourth grade year, students examine California’s geography and geology while exploring Pre-Columbian Native American communities and the ensuing successive waves of immigrants through California. Students actively engage in meaningful activities that help them understand how each new wave of immigrants used California’s natural resources to survive and how their presence in California affected the native peoples. Integrating literature, Spanish, art, music, dance, and earth science throughout the curriculum helps the students appreciate the richness of each culture represented in this study. Experiential field trips to such places as the Sonoma Mission, Fort Ross, and the Coloma Gold Rush facility propel the students back in time. At each of these locations, students participate in hands-on activities that help them more deeply understand the everyday lives of California’s past inhabitants.
Grade Five: The United States—Making a New Nation Four overarching questions frame the fifth grade social studies curriculum: Why do people migrate? How do different people treat each other? How does the environment affect how we live? How do our actions change the environment? Fifth graders study the geography of North America including the fifty states, its inhabitants before Columbus, the different groups of immigrants who followed, and the reasons people came to the U.S. They focus on similarities and differences in the experiences of diverse groups of individuals. Our research into the people who first stepped foot onto American soil includes the Native Americans, explorers, colonists, slaves, and prisoners. Students study the evolution of our government, from the colonial period through 1887 (Articles of Confederation, Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution including the Bill of Rights). In our studies, students have the opportunity to reflect on how our early history relates to current events in the United States and the world.
|
