Today is the first day of quarter two, which means I am welcoming a new group of students who have been studying Science during quarter one. Sadly, I have to attend a funeral in Colorado, so I will be missing this fresh start. Luckily, we can be together virtually! If you are a student coming into Social Studies, here are 8 highlights students that you will get to experience during the first two days of Social Studies Project:

1. Learning how we use technology in the classroom

You will get to see our digital agenda, which is projected on the board from a GoogleDoc every day. If you are ever absent, or forget the homework, this doc is shared with all students and accessible on the school webpage.

2. Celebrating the work we did at Plimoth Plantation

There were many exciting entries to the team challenge, and some winners are posted here. Check it out!

3. Reflecting on why we study Social Studies

You will use this worksheet to reflect individually and to guide our discussion.

4. Watching a powerful video about global citizenship

After you watch the video below, you’ll consider how it affects your own lives, and why Social Studies is so important to learn about in the 21st century.

5. Hearing about what’s coming up this quarter

Once you know why we study Social Studies, you’ll dive into learning about this quarter’s unit, Discovering Early America. I recorded this little video to help give you a taste of what’s coming up!

6. Testing out your team work skills during the Float Your Boat Challenge

To introduce you to the themes of the quarter, and give you a chance to practice your teamwork skills, you’ll participate in a challenge. Will your boat be able to sail to the New World without sinking?!

7. Analyzing photographs of children’s bedrooms around the world

On day two, you’ll be introduced to the idea of an “I am From” poem as a method of studying people and their places. In order to practice using sensory language, we’ll write imaginary lines for some children who live around the world (from a book called Where Children Sleep, by James Mollison).

8. Writing your own “I am from” poem

You’ll get to write your own poem, which is a lot easier than you’d think, using the examples and organizers provided in class.

See? You don’t need me around to learn a lot during Social Studies. I look forward to hearing about your accomplishments when I am back from my trip!