Nicole Wheatleys

Sample Curriculum for Kindergarten Social Studies

from Valley Park Elementary School

http://www.psdnet.org/psdnet/Administration
/Curriculum %26 Instruction/Curriculum/Social Studies
/K-5/SS - Social Studies - Grade K -DWA 3.4.15 DHD.pdf

Course Title: Social Studies

Grade Level: Kindergarten
Unit 1:

Getting to Know My School and Friends

Unit 2:

Studying America: American Symbols

Unit 3:

Getting to Know Our Town

and National Fire Prevention
A Look at American Holidays: Columbus Day

Unit 4:
Unit 5:

Getting Along: Bullying Awareness and

Thanksgiving

Unit 6:

Holidays Around the World

Unit 7:

A Look at American Holidays: Honoring Martin

Luther King, George Washington and Abraham
Lincoln

Unit 8:

Places Near and Places Far:

Landforms and St. Patricks Day

Date Created:

May June 2012

Board Approved:

August 27th,2012
Wheatley

Course Title: Social Studies

Unit Name: Holidays Around the World
Grade Level: K
Unit Essential Questions
Why do we celebrate holidays?
How do other cultures celebrate holidays?
Unit Understandings
Different cultures have unique traditions Develop an awareness of how
holidays are celebrated by different cultures
Objectives
Understand that there are many different cultures with their own traditions
Recognize how different cultures celebrate holidays
Standards
6.14.D.13 Describe how culture is expressed
through and influenced by the behavior of people
6.1.4.D.17 Explain the role of historical symbols, monuments, and
holidays and how they affect the American identity
6.1.4. D. 20 Describe why it is important to understand the
perspectives of other cultures in an interconnected world
LA.K.RL.K.10 -Actively engage in group reading
activities with purpose and understanding.
Wheatley

Key Terms
Traditions, Holiday, Culture, and Unique Celebration
Suggested Lesson Activities
Read and discuss holidays around the world, such as Christmas, Hanukah,
Kwanza Learn songs from multicultural holiday celebrations
Create Venn Diagrams comparing and contrasting holidays around the
world
Primary Interdisciplinary Connections
Suggestions for Centers:
Holidays Around the World Room Rotation: Each kindergarten teacher
presents a different Dramatic Play Center: Incorporate traditional
materials symbolizing diverse cultures and holidays
Math Center: sorting holiday items
Music Center: Learn holiday songs from around the world
Customizing Learning/Differentiation
Small group/ leveled instruction
Below, on, and above graphic organizers that promote higher order
thinking through analyzing and creating a lesson extension.
Assessments
Teacher observations
Student participation (oral responses, signaled responses, written
responses, and/or role play)
Wheatley