The San Francisco Bay Area’s history, people, and land are intimately connected. The third grade curriculum bridges the study of San Francisco history in the second grade and California history in the fourth grade. The year begins with a study of the habitats in and around our school. The theme is expanded by studying Bay Area habitats and history with an in-depth unit about out local Native Californians. The curriculum further expands to include the study of various Native American Peoples as students develop their research skills. Mapping skills are incorporated throughout the curriculum. Third grade students also study the impact of environmental issues on the Bay Area.
Goals and Objectives
Develop an historical perspective of the land and the people who instituted
the beginning of the environmental awareness movement through the study of
John Muir and Muir Woods
Develop an awareness and understanding of Native American cultures and
how they have shaped the history of the Bay Area; emphasis on local Native
Californians including the Miwoks, Pomos, Ohlones, and Yokuts
Learn about lessons from history regarding stewardship of the environment
Develop a modern perspective and appreciation of Native American Peoples
Learn about geography from the smallest unit to the world view
Skills
Geography skills
Recognize and use eight point compass rose, legends, and symbols
Understand and use geographic terms
Identify oceans and continents
Read San Francisco Bay Area maps, including those of the Bay
Know the regional geographic location of Native American tribes within California
and the rest of the United States
Design and draw a town
Research skills
Write an independent research paper using and extending the skills introduced
in second grade
Reading skills
Read for specific information and to translate material into own words
Writing skills
Write a complete paragraph, including critical elements
Use outlining when developing a research report
Take notes from reading for research report
Learn to paraphrase and summarize
Thinking skills
Begin to evaluate and critique non-fiction and fiction reading material
Differentiate between fact and opinion
Discussion and listening skills
Listen respectfully and participate appropriately in class discussions
Understand and use the rules and values of class discussion: fairness,
a sense of teamwork, and respect
Social skills
Show consideration and respect for all members of the community
Work in pairs and cooperative groups as a model for future citizenship
Present material to others in a variety of interesting and informative
ways
Practice being a good listener and learn to give positive, constructive
feedback
Assessment and Evaluation
Informal assessment includes teacher observation of student performance during
group discussions and cooperative group activities. Teachers more formally evaluate
and assess students' written work using written evaluations and rubrics. Evaluations
are also made by students of their own work both individually and in cooperative
groups.
Methods and Materials
Many field trips enhance specific units of the third-grade social studies
curriculum, including:
Kule Loklo (reconstructed Miwok Village)
Marin Museum of the Native American
Muir Woods
Muir Beach
Sanitary Waste Transfer Station,
Garbology 101, Crissy field
Pier 39 Marine Mammal study
Outdoor Education overnight trip
Tennessee Valley
Books and novels relating to curriculum (non-fiction Native American legends)
Classroom books, maps, globes, and atlases
Plays, songs, chants, and videos depicting early Miwok and Pomo life, the Bay, seals/sea lions, Muir Woods, and other Native American Peoples
The SFDS Library provides resources on information literacy, media literacy,
and cultural literacy
References and Resources
The third-grade classrooms contain many resource books about the topics studied
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
and audiotapes, 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
Native American tribes series
