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Social Studies

 

Overview 

Social Studies is intended to promote civic competence through the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities.The primary purpose of Social Studies is to help young people develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world (adapted from the National Council for the Social Studies [NCSS] definition of Social Studies).

Standards

New York State K-8 Social Studies Framework (“NYS Framework”) is anchored in the New York State Common Core Standards for Literacy and Writing and New York State Learning Standards for Social Studies. These standards serve as a consistent set of expectations for what students should learn and be able to do, and are intended to ensure that every student is prepared to be an active and engaged citizen, ready to pursue college or a career.

Our Curriculum

At Sayville, we utilize the Putnam Westchester BOCES Social Studies curricular materials to support our standards-aligned program.  Additionally, we place an emphasis on developing students’ content-area literacy by selecting relevant texts and teaching the fundamentals of literacy through Social Studies Concepts.  Our academic learning is supported by meaningful experiences both in and out of the classroom.

Grade Level

Course Focus and Units

K
Getting to Know Myself and Others

In Kindergarten, students study themselves in the context of their immediate surroundings. Students will learn about similarities and differences between children, families, and communities and about holidays, symbols and traditions that unite us as Americans. Students learn about respect for others, and rights and responsibilities of individuals.

Unit 1: Myself and Others
Unit 2: How Can I Be a Good Citizen?
Unit 3: Understanding Economics and Geography

1
My Family and Other Family, Now and Long Ago

Our First Grade students examine families and develop an awareness of cultural diversity within American culture. We explore the concept of responsible citizenship, as well as the role of authority in making rules and laws. The students will increase their geography skills through the use of maps and directions. Family history provides the basis for examining sources of information and organizing that information. Economic terminology and principles are introduced in the context of family resources, as well as in making economic decisions.

Unit 1: Rules and Laws
Unit 2: We Are a Family
Unit 3: Unity in Community

2
My Community and Other United States Communities

Third Graders study their local community and learn about characteristics that define urban, suburban, and rural communities. Democratic principles and participation in government are introduced. Interaction with the environment and changes to the environment and their effects are examined. The concept of change over time and examining cause and effect are introduced. Students will examine the availability of resources and the interdependence within and across communities.

Unit 1: Active Citizenship
Unit 2: Economics
Unit 3: Rural, Urban, Suburban
Unit 4: Geography of Communities 

3
Communities Around the World

In “Communities around the World,” students learn about communities around the globe and about global citizenship. Students bring with them knowledge about their communities. In this course, students make comparisons across time and space, examining different communities and their cultures. Culture includes social organization, customs and traditions, language, arts and literature, religion, forms of government, and economic systems. Students are introduced to the concepts of prejudice, discrimination and human rights, as well as to social action.
 
Third graders study at least three global communities (including within the United States of America) that represent different regions of the world, types of communities (urban, suburban, and rural), and governmental structures. The communities selected reflect the diversity of the local community.

Unit 1: Geography
Unit 2: The United States of America
Unit 3: Communities Around the World

4
New York State History and Government

As outlined by the New York State Social Studies Framework, Grade 4 is focused on New York State and local communities and their change over time, incorporating the study of geography, history, economics, and government. We work with our Fourth Graders to make local connections throughout the course. The course spans the State’s history from before the European colonial era to the modern period.  As we study the past, we make connections to present-day New York State and the local community.

Unit 1: The Three Worlds Meet in New York State
Unit 2: The Impact of the Colonial and Revolutionary Period on NYS
Unit 3: National and Local Government
Unit 4: Change Comes to New York State

5
The Western Hemisphere

As outlined by the New York State Social Studies Framework, Grade 5 Social Studies is based on the history and geography of the Western Hemisphere, including the development of cultures, civilizations, and empires; interaction between societies; and the comparison of the government and economic systems of modern nations. It also incorporates elements of archaeology. The course covers a time span from prehistory into modern times.  We make and teach local connections throughout the course, especially in the examination of citizenship related to modern political and economic issues.
 
Unit 1: A New Work Rising
Unit 2: European Exploration and the Trans-Atlantic Trade
Unit 3: Geography in the Western Hemisphere
Unit 4: Government in the Western Hemisphere
Unit 5: Economics in the Western Hemisphere
Unit 6: Cultural Diversity