Families and Neighborhoods: A Social Studies Unit

Happy New Year! We just began our first Social Studies unit this year entitled "Families and Neighborhoods." On Tuesday, students learned about neighborhoods by discussing the Gregory Heights neighborhood and making a class poster listing all things found in a neighborhood. We also enjoyed 2 non-fiction books about homes and neighborhoods.

Next, we created our very own 2-dimensional neighborhood on a 3' by 5' poster! The kinders worked cooperatively in pairs to create a home (house, apartment, etc) and other important neighborhood items.

Later this week we will create a family for each of the homes. In the weeks to follow, students will work together to solve a variety of problems that will surely arise in our classroom neighborhood! We will be working to accomplish the following academic goals:

Social Studies:

Students examine the rights and responsibilities of individuals in relation to community.

2. Students identify ways different groups, societies and cultures address similar human needs and concerns.

Social Skills:

Students discuss and negotiate to solve neighborhood problems.

2. Students take turns and work cooperatively to create.

3. Students participate in active listening by making eye contact and waiting their turn to share ideas and opinions.

Art:

Students create 2-dimensional artwork with the purpose of communicating an important idea or message.