Birmingham Public Schools A K-12 Narrative of Social Studies Education in 2015

3 rd Grade

Third Grade Zarey is a new student to West Maple, she is 9 years old and in third grade. Zarey came from a Waldorf School and this is her first experience with a public school system. Zarey has a rich background in unusual experiences, but not a background in a traditional classroom. Zarey has no prior experience with text or actual reading materials. She also has zero exposure to technology during her Waldorf experience or at home. At the beginning of her third grade year social situations were difficult for Zarey. Zarey age, 9

Conditions Zarey gets Social Studies instruction twice a week for 40 mintues. Meet Michigan curriculum/text books Classroom Wiki Video clips/primary sources/maps Zarey’s initial response to these materials was overwhelming and stressful. Since September Zarey has become used to the routine and has shown an interest and seems to enjoy the materials. Yes. Resources are aligned to standards. Yes. Both the teacher and students find these materials accessible. There was an initial learning curve, but the classroom community has adopted these resources.

Major Units of Study Geography History Economics Civics/Government Public Discourse Each unit is primarly focused through the lens of Michigan study. Each unit has its own driving question.

Foundational Skills & Concepts Third grade students should be able to have prior knowledge on world geography and map skills. The concept of communities building upon one another and contriubiting to the global community. The concept that the student is a PART of their school and entire community, and their actions effect the entire community. Strategies to work cooperatively in small groups.

Assessment Strategies Paper and pencil assessements Clicker (technology-based assessments) Formative assessments Project-based assessements Assessments are both teacher-created and from various resources. The resource-based tests are all common tests. The Meet Michigan Wiki also has common assessments and projects. Zarey enjoys the technology based tests and formative assessments thus far. In this box, share any connections that your social studies curriculum has with… The goals of the Strategic Plan BPS Learner Profile C3 Framework (Inquiry Arc) Social and Emotional Learning Standards Character Education’s 11 Principles NCSS Vision