SOCIAL STUDIES

Social Studies is an integral and exciting part of the curriculum at George White. It is wholly integrated with Language Arts through literature, writing and oral presentations. In the primary grades children focus on family, ancestors, community and the people who serve it. They also learn basic geography, including mapping skills. Children are taught about different cultures through stories and songs. One of the big events for first grade is the annual Earth Day musical performance. Second graders take a musical trip around the world. Third graders learn about major land forms and their relationship to Native American life.

California history is the study of the fourth grade. Students complete projects on the California Missions and the Gold Rush. Fourth graders look forward to their trip to "The Pilgrim" in Dana Point Harbor after reading Richard Henry Dana's book, Two Years Before the Mast. Through the presentation of "A Walk Through California," they have an interactive overview of the Gold Rush.

Fifth graders, who study U.S. History, begin the year with a unit on immigration, which culminates with "Ellis Island Day," a day-long simulation of the entire immigration process. A "Green Corn Dance Festival" celebrates the end of the unit on Native Americans. Students become the explorers they study when they learn about the exploration of the New World. After studying Colonial America, the year ends with the American Revolution unit, which is brought alive with "A Walk Through the American Revolution." U.S. geography is emphasized throughout the year, culminating with the production of state reports in the spring. Since one of the goals of Social Studies instruction is to produce responsible citizens of our democracy, community service is an important part of life at George White. Students at every grade level are involved with some kind of community service. Projects may include service to the school (peer tutoring, aiding teachers, trash pick-up),working for community needs (visitations to senior citizens, beach clean-ups, food and clothing drives), or meeting global concerns (rain forest, environment).