Dear Parent/Guardian,

In Kindergarten, the study of the self, home, family, and classroom establishes the foundation for responsible citizenship in society. Students explore state and national heritage by examining the celebration of patriotic holidays and the contributions of individuals. The concept of chronology is introduced. Students apply geographic concepts of location and physical and human characteristics of place. Students identify basic human needs and ways people meet these needs. Students learn the purpose of rules and the role of authority figures in the home and school. Students learn customs, symbols, and celebrations that represent American beliefs and principles and contribute to our national identity. Students compare family customs and traditions and describe examples of technology in the home and school. Students acquire information from a variety of oral and visual sources. Students practice problem-solving, decision-making, and independent-thinking skills. Throughout social studies in Kindergarten-Grade 12, students build a foundation in history; geography; economics; government; citizenship; culture; science, technology, and society; and social studies skills.

We will cover the following units the first nine weeks:

Unit 1: Rules and Routines

This unit introduces the rules and routines that students will follow as part of being good citizens of their classroom and school.

Unit 2: Citizen Heroes - Hispanic Heritage Enrichment Unit

National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. September is significant because it is the anniversary month of independence for many Latin American countries and Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, falls within this 30-day period.

Unit 3: Our Government/Celebrate Freedom

This unit introduces students to authority figures and to key symbols and celebrations of American freedom.

Unit 4: Good Citizens

This unit introduces students to good citizens in the community. Students also use voting to make some decisions in the classroom

Unit 5: Presidential Election Enrichment Unit/Decision Making

This unitteaches students about the various stages of the election process, encouragesstudents to think critically about the skills necessary to be a good president, and informsstudents of the importance of voting in a democracy. Students understand that a constitutional republic is a representative form of government whose representatives derive their authority from the consent of the governed, serve for an established tenure, and are sworn to uphold the constitution.

Celebrate Freedom will take place the week of September 14. Students will be exposed to the intent, meaning and importance of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution including the Bill of Rights, in their historical contexts.

Throughout the first nine weeks grading period, student knowledge and understanding will be assessed in a variety of ways, such as:

  • Collaborative Anchor Charts
  • Individual Anchor Charts
  • Timelines
  • Academic Vocabulary
  • Thinking Maps/Graphic Organizers
  • Matching
  • Visuals-Graphic Organizers
  • Problem Solving
  • Collaborative Learning
  • Recognize Primary Sources
  • Quick Writes
  • Making Connections
  • Pair/Share
  • Peer Tutoring
  • Response To Open Ended Questions
  • Basic Maps
  • Observations
  • Formative & Summative Assessments
  • Share the Pen Sentence Starters
  • Story Starters
  • My StorySpark Electronic/Paper
  • Drawing Responses/ Response Writing
  • Open Ended Question Response
  • Journal Entries
  • Diary Entry
  • Timeline-Event Descriptions

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns regarding your student. We look forward to working with you and your child to ensure academic success.

Respectfully,

Kindergarten Social Studies Teachers

KindergartenSocial Studies 1st 9 Weeks