PK Social Studies
Year in review 2016-2017
Summary of social studies in PK for 2016-2017
Dot Day
Imagine the power and potential of millions of people around the world connecting, collaborating, creating and celebrating all that creativity inspires and invites. We joined the global community of creativity champions using our talents, gifts and energy to move the world to a better place. Dot Day is celebrated on or around September 15.
International Peace Day
The Global Read Aloud
I was thrilled for the PK students to participate in the Global Read Aloud (GRA). The project was created in 2010 with a simple goal in mind; one book to connect the world. Now after five years and more than 500,000 connections made in 60 different countries, the project continues to grow. The premise is simple; GRA picks a book ( or author study) to read aloud during a set six-week period and during that time classes try to make as many global connections as possible. Some people choose to connect with just one class, while others go for as many as possible.
This year’s author study was the incredible author and illustrator Lauren Castilllo. Her picture books have long enthralled all of my students. This year connected with a Kindergarten class in Ottawa, Ontario. We sent out questions via Twitter to the author, Lauren Castillo and to our partner class. .
Peaceable Kingdom games
Unlike traditional games, Peaceable Kingdom cooperative games organically create community among the players. Kids learn to work together as a team in respectful and compassionate ways. They learn to share, make decisions together and trust one another, all while working towards a common purpose – defeating the game – while also having fun!
Cooperative games allow kids to experience inclusive play situations that build self-esteem and help shape emotional development. Kids get to play leader, follower and even peacemaker – sometimes all in the course of a single game. This kind of play helps kids build valuable life skills today so they can play well in the greater world tomorrow.
Fire safety with National Fire Safety Week
Authentic opportunities to learn from each other
International visitor- Karma Sherpa
Since then, his efforts have expanded to include sustainable community development. In essence, Karma’s profound understanding of his people, their customs, and their culture contributes greatly to TSW’s ability to realize effective results in the pursuit of the organization’s mission. The gift of education made a huge difference in Karma’s life and provided him with opportunities that he could never have imagined. He hopes that his profound gratitude, in the form of his deep passion to share and give back through The Small World, will encourage like-minded people to successfully change and transform many more lives for the better in his beloved country of Nepal.
Day of Service
Gratitude books
Holiday Card Exchange
Hour of Code
Involving the Hockaday community
Dr. King study
Rosa Parks study
Chinese New Year
The Great Kindness Challenge
kindness nationwide.
We tied this into our cornerstones. We showered Mrs. Branson with birthday cards, made kindness hearts for all the early childhood students downstairs, and took thank you notes to our lunch buddies.
Virtual Valentine Project
"The Virtual Valentines Project is designed to teach students geographical awareness and cultural understanding while connecting classrooms all around the world for Valentine's Day. Through this experience, our goal is to circumnavigate the globe with virtual Valentines greetings and cultural exchanges in order to spread a little happiness to children everywhere."
PKE connected with a class in Houston, TX.
PKZ connected with a kindergarten class in Merkle, TX.
PKH connected with a first grade class at St. Christopher's in Richmond, VA.
More to come in 2017
- Ruby Bridges Study February
- Engineers Week February 19-25
- Girl Day with Engineers Week