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Chester Township Public Schools Social Studies In Social Studies, the goal is for all students to develop a deep, rich network of understandings related to the world around them. The objectives and competencies included in this curriculum deal with history, geography, economics, and civics from a diverse, global perspective. Students engage in projects that require them to apply Social Studies skills in real-world contexts. First Grade First graders continue to build on the social studies skills and core concepts introduced in kindergarten. Studies of civics expand to include an introduction to democracy, as well as responsibilities of positions of authority and leadership. Geography skills strongly focus on locating places on a map and globe, understanding compass directions, and constructing maps. Students learn economic ideas on money, resources, goods and services, and consumption. Students should also be encouraged to broaden their historical perspective through comparisons of family, transportation, and communication. |
| Cultural Perspective |
| The Cultural Perspective unit includes communities, diversity, fine arts, humanities, folklore, holidays, media, and religious and social issues. |
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Holidays: Celebration Rituals
The learner will be able to associate a holiday with its celebration ritual and become more aware of how holidays are celebrated in the USA and other countries of the world. (6.5) Activities/Evaluation Utilizing the traditional holidays introduced in kindergarten the class will make a big book describing each holiday. The students will discuss and compare the ways that holidays differ in various countries with specific focus on Christmas (Sweden, Mexico, Holland and Italy) Hanukkah, St. Patrick's Day, Passover, Chinese New Year, Cinco de Mayo, Kwansa, Dwali, Los Posadas.
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Family: Compare/Contrast
The learner will be able to compare and contrast different types of families and observe similarities and differences in self and others. Students will also identify personal feelings and needs while discovering his or her uniqueness. (6.4, 6.6) Activities/Evaluation Class discussions on feelings when various things happen at school and home. Draw a picture of one's own home and where it is located. Read and discuss stories and identify issues of self-awareness and identity. Research name with parent and share result with class. Each student will be featured for one week in his or her classroom.
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| Civics and Government |
| The Civics and Government unit combines United States democratic principles, structure and historical documents with governmental systems found throughout the world. |
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Authority: Duties/Recognize
The learner will be able to recognize the duties of a position of authority and assume responsibilities for duties in the classroom. (6.1) Activities/Evaluation Discussion of responsibilities within the classroom and the assignment of designated duties and responsibilities.
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Citizenship: Good/Examples
The learner will be able to identify examples of good citizens throughout history. (6.1) Activities/Evaluation Utilizing the emphasis on holidays discuss people and individuals who have become examples of good citizenship.
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Public Service: Leadership/Duties
The learner will be able to recognize the duties of a position of leadership. (6.1) Activities/Evaluation Discussion of responsibilities associated with classroom duties emphasizing the need for all people to be responsible citizens both in school and at home.
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| Geography |
| The Geography unit includes United States and world geography, map and globe skills, Earth characteristics, and geographic tools and concepts. |
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DiscusActivitiesConcepts: Directions
The learner will be able to use north, south, east, and west as a means for identifying location. (6.8) Activities/Evaluation Discussion of the directions of the compass relative to the sun. Illustrate the idea of compass direction in picture form emphasizing such things as life style, products and needs.
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Map: United States/Identify
The learner will be able to identify the United States on a world map.(6.8) Activities/Evaluation Recognizing that people live in countries discuss and identify the United States on a world map.
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| Historical Perspective |
| The Historical Perspective unit includes data interpretation, awareness and analysis skills, and the concepts of time, change, and continuity. |
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Time: Calendar/Day/Week/Month
The learner will be able to understand calendar time, including days, weeks and/or months. (6.8) Activities/Evaluation Maintain a calendar indicating basic time indications including days, weeks and months. Seasonal notation and holiday indicators discussions will illustrate the concept of measuring time and keeping a calendar.
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Time: Vocabulary/Understand
The learner will be able to understand vocabulary related to time, such as "long ago" or "tomorrow" (6.8) Activities/Evaluation Discussion of vocabulary related to time. Reading awareness of specific emphasis on time relationships.
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| United States History |
| The United States History unit includes events and issues pertaining to the founding, development, and expansion of our nation from its inception to present day. |
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Figures: Identify
The learner will be able to identify historical figures whose lives have merited celebration in holidays. (6.4, 6.8,) Activities/Evaluation Discussion of historical figures whose lives remain a cause for celebration and holiday.
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Symbols: History
The learner will be able to identify major American symbols. (6.1) Activities/Evaluation Discuss with students the meaning of the flag and such symbols of America such as the eagle as depicted in symbol and appear at public events and are even represented on money.
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Symbols: Pledge/Significance
The learner will be able to understand the significance of the Pledge of Allegiance. (6.1) Activities/Evaluation Recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Symbols: Patriotic/Identify
The learner will be able to identify patriotic symbols that are common to life in Chester, New Jersey and the United States of America. (6.1) Activities/Evaluation Define the meaning of being a patriot. Discuss the existence of patriotic symbols and colors and note the use of such symbols in Chester.
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