Mary McDowell Center for Learning

Social Studies

Curriculum | Language Arts | Math | Reading | Science | Speech & Language | Enrichment

The social studies program at the Mary McDowell Center for Learning focuses on people. Social studies examies the nature in which people interact with their environments as well as the causes for and effects of these actions. The disciplines of sociology, geography, history, economics and political science are explored through developmentally appropriate concepts and skills. We believe that social studies should encourage students to think; to ask questions; to gather information; to observe; to reflect on and to interpret information.

Goals

• Developing connections to people
• Identifying roles and responsibilities of individuals and groups
• Understanding and appreciating similarities and differences
• Teaching respect and tolerance for all people, ways of living and beliefs
• Questioning and analyzing people's motivation for action and beliefs as well as the results of these actions and beliefs

Content
Each class explores two social studies topics during the year. In addition, current events, holidays and elections are also taught and when possible integrated into the selected topics. Students are taught in whole and small group instruction as well as through independent work. Social studies is integrated throughout the curriculum and woven into the fabric of the classroom.

The social studies curriculum is designed with four major components: theme, topics, concepts, and skills.

Theme
A theme is the overarching idea that connects the two social studies topics and helps to integrate other curricular areas. Themes at the Mary McDowell Center for Learning include:

Community

• How People Interact with their World
• Making Connections and Taking Journeys
• Near and Far
• North American People
• Governance
• Long Ago and Here Today

Topics
Topics are vehicles used to teach the concepts and skills. Topics selected are developmentally appropriate and support the theme. Topics include:

• Homes
• Markets
• Transportation
• Immigration
• Japan
• Native Americans
• Medieval Europe
• Civil Rights
• Government/The Constitution
• Quakerism
• Ancient Greece and Rome

Concept
The concepts are the framework of the social studies curriculum. They are key thoughts or ideas that guide the curriculum. Essential concepts include:

• Change/Adaptation
• Progress
• Conflict
• Cooperation
• Self-reliance
• Interdependence
• Family (including tradition, belief and love)
• Difference (including stereotypes, bias and discrimination)
• Roles within Groups, Families and Governments
• Leadership/Power
• Diversity
• Ancient
• Story
• Perspective
• Voice
• Geography
• Causality
• Justice/Equality
• Technology
• Survival
• Conformity

Skills
Skills are taught to enhance the understanding of the concept and topics. For instance, in a study of transportation, students may examine the geography of New York in order to draw conclusions about the changes in the transportation system over a period of time. Essential skills include:

• Categorization
• Comparison
• Questioning
• Brainstorming
• Research
• Decision Making
• Problem Solving
• Reflection
• Drawing Conclusions
• Cause and Effect
• Mapping
• Note Taking
• Making Predictions
• Debating
• Sequencing/Constructing Time Lines
• Application
• Inferring
• Fact versus Opinion
• Listening
• Respect (for other opinions, values, other ways of life and actions)

Social Skills are taught in all areas of the curriculum, but are reinforced in Social Studies:

• Planning with Others
• Helping Others
• Participating in a Group and Working Cooperatively
• Responding Appropriately

Methodology
Teachers use numerous methods to teach social studies:

• Class Discussions w Small Group Projects
• Individual Research w Simulations
• Role Playing w Class Trips
• Journal Time w Literature
• Read Aloud w Guest Speakers
• Art Activities w Interviews
• Games w Videos
• Music w Dance
• Drama w Debate
• Student Led Activities and Presentations

Materials
Teachers incorporate a range of materials in the teaching of social studies:

• Trade Books H Primary Source Materials
• Textbooks H Teacher Made Materials
• Videos H Computer Simulations
• Maps H Internet for Research
• Books on Tape H Artifacts
• Journals, Periodicals and Newspapers

Assessment
Students' progress is assessed through informal and formal evaluation:

• Participation in Discussions and Projects
• Quizzes and Tests
• Research Projects
• Self-assessment
• Portfolio