Social StudiesCreating Community and Learning How it Works
Social studies in kindergarten begins with a focus on creating a sense of community. Together the class develops the rules, routines and shared responsibility necessary to work and play harmoniously. Students also discover how each member of the class is connected to a unique family unit. Connections between self and community are explored with an emphasis on the skills of communication and working together. Children work cooperatively in a variety of activities in the classroom and with their older "buddies." They also participate in all-school activities.
The intensive year-long study, Farm Life within Our Community, contrasts life in the family and classroom with life at Sprout Creek Farm. Through monthly visits, children gain firsthand experience at a local working farm. The farm's experienced teacher-farmers introduce children to many aspects of animal and vegetable farming. The class follows the seasonal growing cycle and how it affects land use, food production and harvesting. Children become familiar with all the animals that make Sprout Creek Farm their home: ducks, chickens, goats, sheep, cows, pigs, turkeys, bees and cats.
Farm experiences include:
- Touring the farm’s creamery
- Making farm bread and fresh butter
- Working with sheep’s wool
- Doing early morning chores
- Exploring seasonal changes along the creek
This study captures the essence of social studies: relationships among people and their interactions with the environment.