Second Grade Social Studies

Social Studies by grade: Kindergarten 1st Grade 2nd Grade 3rd Grade 4th Grade 5th Grade 6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade

The focus of the second grade integrated social studies curriculum is on the development of the city of San Francisco. Students begin with the late 1700's era and study through to present day San Francisco. Emphasis is on the city's many diverse cultures, its architecture, bridges, landmarks, transportation, and major city events. The children discuss and consider the city's decision-making as San Francisco grew and prospered. They also compare the similarities and differences of San Francisco communities, holidays, and celebrations, learning about the rich diversity of the City's people and cultures.

Goals and Objectives

Develops knowledge and cultural understanding

• Develops an historical perspective on San Francisco growth and events, including:
  Mission Dolores
  Gold Rush
  Chinatown
  Victorian homes
  1906 earthquake
• Develops an appreciation of the cultural diversity within our city, including communities within San Francisco (i.e., Chinatown) and the holidays and celebrations of various cultures
• Recognizes the uniqueness of San Francisco's landmarks and architecture:
  Mission Dolores*
  Coit Tower*
  Golden Gate Bridge*
  Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge
  City Hall*
  Transamerica Pyramid
  Palace of Fine Arts*
  Cliff House/Sutro Baths
  Alcatraz
  Angel Island
  Cable Cars*
  Fort Point*
  Lombard Street*
  Treasure Island
  *field trip sites
• Recognizes the necessity for the variety of transportation systems

Skills

Geography skills

• Reads map legends and symbols
• Understands cardinal directions
• Knows the location of San Francisco, the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco Peninsula and Bay

Research skills

• Begins to develop an understanding of the concept of research
• Uses books and human resources as research tools
• Reads for specific information, records and presents information

Reading skills

• Reads for specific information

Writing skills

• Writes about social studies topics, using different genres (stories, reports)

Thinking skills

• Begins to develop an understanding of the difference between fact and opinion

Discussion and listening skills

• Listens respectfully and participates appropriately in class discussions
• Understands the rules and values of class discussion: fairness, a sense of teamwork, and respect

Social skills

• Develops consideration and respect for all members of the community
• Learns to work effectively with others in small groups on team projects

Organization skills

• Follows a prescribed format for classroom work, including neat and orderly presentation
• Begins to manage daily homework assignments

Assessment and Evaluation

Informal assessment includes teacher observation of student performance during group discussions and class games (e.g., Numbered Heads Together, Jeopardy). Teachers more formally evaluate and assess students' work on their Landmark Reports, model representations, and factual paragraph writing.

Methods and Materials

The second-grade social studies curriculum is presented in a variety of formats, including individual, small group, and whole group projects; cooperative learning activities; class discussions; use of audio and videotapes; reading of novels and nonfiction books; and the use of globes, maps, charts, and posters. Field trips to many sites in San Francisco enrich the second grade curriculum.

References and Resources

The second grade classrooms contain many resource books about San Francisco for student use, including both fiction and non-fiction. Students also use the rich resources of the San Francisco Day School Library Media Center, videos on San Francisco, and explore web-based resources in the computer lab.

Resources for teachers include:
California History-Social Science Curriculum Framework, 1998
National Standards for History, 1994. Document published by: National Center for the History in the Schools
School membership in the National Council for the Social Studies