In second grade, students in this course will begin to explore the basic fundamentals of social studies including culture, geography, and economics. Students will explore the Ancient Cultures of China, Africa, and the Celts. Students will explore these cultures through ancient folk tales and fables. Learners will create a photo book that describes the significant events in their own lives. They will also examine the importance of geography and direction. Students will learn how to locate boundaries while using a world map.
Students will identify the places that were discussed in the previous lessons including Africa, China, and the British Isles. They will develop a rudimentary understanding of map symbols as they locate continents, the equator, and oceans. Students will also learn to identify on a road map where they live, rivers, mountain ranges, and lakes nearby their homes. Learners will follow a step-by-step approach for successfully completing each lesson, which includes storytelling, repetition, projects, arts and crafts, and videos.
The second semester begins by introducing learners to economics and the role that money plays in every civilization. They will take a closer look at the economy of the Celtic people. Students learn the difference between natural, human, and capital resources. Learners will begin to understand the exchange of money for goods and services. They will gain a basic understanding of what scarcity is and why it is good that we do not always get everything that we want. Students will understand these concepts by drawing upon their understanding of the desires/wishes in their own lives. Students will also learn about desirable human qualities through the use of fables such as “The Boy Who Cried Wolf.” Learners will look at individuals who have made a difference in the greater community. Students will learn about Rosa Parks and Susan B. Anthony through short stories. The end of the course asks learners to examine the diversity of the community they live in. They will be asked to recognize the different types of people around them. Studentsshouldgainanappreciationforthedifferencesaroundthemand how having respect for others and being honest will contribute to society as a whole. Learners will follow a step-by-step approach for successfully completing each lesson, which includes storytelling, repetition, projects, arts and crafts, and videos.