HADDON TOWNSHIP SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE TWO
The Second Grade Social Studies Curriculum provides developmentally appropriate experiences that reflect the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for Social Studies. The study of civic life, politics, and government begins in the early grades to help all students develop knowledge, understanding, and an appreciation of the principles of American democracy and the roles of its citizens. The students will begin to develop social studies skills and economic, geographical, and historical awareness. This curriculum will continue evolving to meet the needs of the students as well as the standards established by the New Jersey Department of Education.
ESSENTIAL LEARNINGS: All second grade social studies students will demonstrate an understanding of the following strands from the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards:
Social Studies Skills (NJ 6.1, 6.3)
All second grade students will...
• Use vocabulary past, present, and future
• Sequence events and create timelines
• Notice and discuss differences between fact
and fiction
• Discuss current events
Civic Life, Politics and Government (NJ 6.2, 6.3)
All second grade students will...
• Identify roles of adults and children
• Recognize symbols of freedom
• Identify leaders in the community
• Discuss diverse cultures within the United States
History (NJ 6.4)
All second grade students will...
• Discuss how school and community have changed over time
• Recognize major figures in American history
• Identify and celebrate major national holidays
Economics (NJ 6.5)
All second grade students will...
• Identify various forms of currency
• Discuss what it means to save money
• Discuss how people earn money
Geography (NJ 6.6)
All second grade students will...
• Locate continents and oceans
• Discuss and use maps and the globes
CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE LEARNERS:
All second grade students will demonstrate growth in the development of the following characteristics of effective learners:
Trustworthiness, demonstrated by the ability to... • Be honest in words and actions • Keep promises • Stand up for beliefs and do what is right
• Be a good friend
Respect, demonstrated by the ability to... • Treat others the way you would want to be
treated • Be polite and courteous • Treat others well even if they look, act, or
believe differently than you do
Responsibility, demonstrated by the ability to... • Do what you are supposed to do • Think about how your actions will affect others • Always try to do your best
Fairness, demonstrated by the ability to... • Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Try to see the other person’s side • Speak up if you know something is unfair
Caring, demonstrated by the ability to... • Be kind with your words and actions • Help others • Think about other people’s feelings and needs • Be thankful for what others do for you
Citizenship, demonstrated by the ability to..• • •
Cooperate with others Obey rules and laws Do your best to make your school and neighborhood better Help protect the Earth
New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards are indicated in parentheses
communication • • Discuss environmental issues which affect
our lives
9/2009
Resources
United States History: My Community (Harcourt Horizons, 2005) Teacher Created Units
Additional Resources
Time for Kids Readers Collection
Maps101.com Primary documents, software, videotapes, maps, globes Teacher directed materials Literature and art connections
Technology
Students will use technology in social studies classrooms to:
• Access and retrieve information responsibly to support learning • Present social studies information in a variety of visual forms • Use simulations to acquire an understanding of social studies concepts • Communicate understandings of social studies content and processes
Assessment
Student learning will be assessed using a variety of measures, including:
• Formal assessments • Teacher generated tests and quizzes • Student projects and presentations • Writing • Assigned and self-selected extensions • Homework and teacher generated assignments • Student participation
Parent Involvement
Research supports that parent involvement in education can lead to academic benefits for students. Haddon Township parents of 2nd grade students are encouraged to:
• • • •
• •
SSet a regular time, place, and routine for homework with minimal distractions Provide appropriate supplies for students Review homework and course content regularly Discuss local and national news accessed through newspapers, news magazines,
newscasts, educational television and appropriate internet sites Plan family trips and outings that support social studies learning, including visits to sites
of historical interest Discuss contemporary issues that relate to and support content and learning
GRADE TWO SOCIAL STUDIES
9/2009