Kindergarten students have recently wrapped up their second social studies unit of the year, which is focused on identity. As is the case with each unit, there is a compelling question; this unit’s question was “How is each person unique?” Students learned that this is considered compelling, because it can be answered in a variety of ways, unlike a question such as “Do you have a pet?”
Kindergarten students began this unit by exploring family roles. They discussed a variety of different roles that may exist in a family, and identified the different role(s) that they occupy within their own families (i.e., daughter, sister, niece, cousin). Next, students learned about their role at school, and the additional roles that people play within the school setting, such as teacher, principal, and secretary. They ended their discussion of roles by learning about community helpers, such as firefighters, nurses, and postal workers. Students were able to make the connection that someone can play roles in multiple settings; for example, a student’s mother might also play a role in the community by being a doctor.
Students finished this unit by sharing the All About Me books that they completed with their families. Each student had the opportunity to share information about themselves, such as their favorite food, color, and the people in their families. They also got to share photos of themselves from when they were babies up until the present day. Students were able to discuss the ways in which they are the same as their classmates, and the ways in which they are different. It has been so much fun for students to learn about each other, and what makes them special!
