The primary purpose of social studies is to help young people develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society. Social studies prepare young people to be responsible citizens by stressing the safeguarding of rights, fulfillment of responsibilities, and honoring the dignity of all people. Through their studies, students develop lifelong learning skills in communication, information technology, teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making.
By 5 and 6 years old, children are beginning to realize that they are a unique person who interacts with other individuals, groups, and cultures, including family, school, community, Hawai’i, the nation, and the world. The major concepts for the ‘Ohi’a class are:
- each person is unique and valued
- individuals and groups have similarities and differences
- cooperation is an important part of group behavior
- objects and people exist in relationship to each other
In Koai’a, students are beginning to wonder about other parts of the world and are just beginning to understand their relationship to their community at large. The program is designed to give students a strong understanding of the local community around the school, to respect diversity, to recognize the rich cultural history of their island home, and to become engaged citizens.
Koa students are taught through a variety of methods, including project-based learning. Students work individually, with partners, and as a group on Social Studies projects.
Through this approach, students develop and strengthen key skills, including
- finding and using appropriate resources
- reading for information
- note-taking
- documenting sources
- planning and executing projects
- creating a variety of reports and presentations to showcase what they have learned
Map skills and geography are ongoing in all classes.
Highlights of the learning program at Waimea Country School, particularly relevant to social studies, are the learning trips. Hands-on learning, engaging in the real world with guest teachers, makes a real impact on student learning.
Students may travel to Anna Ranch, here in Waimea, while learning about the history of our town. Taking the ‘Ohi’a k/1st multiage class to the police station, post office, and to meet the firefighters teaches about the important members of our community. While studying early Hawaiian history and migration, students go to the harbor to learn directly from a master navigator while sitting in a traditional voyaging canoe.
Experiential learning is a powerful instructional tool and has a lasting impact on students.
Social Studies Unit Rotation
YEAR 1
‘Ohi’a K/1st Multiage
- What is history?
- State of Hawai’i
- United States
- Continents & Oceans
- National holidays
Koai’a 2nd/3rd Multiage
- Local community
- Early Hawaiian life
- Migration & transportation
- Regions of the U.S.
- Exploration of the New World
Koa 4th/5th Multiage
- Pacific geography
- Early Hawaiian history & migration
- Colonial America & Revolutionary War
- US states & capitals
YEAR 2
‘Ohi’a K/1st Multiage
- Family
- Our community
- Citizenship
- National holidays
Koai’a 2nd/3rd Multiage
- Community history/Waimea place study
- Family history
- Physical geography of the U.S.
- Natural resources
- Important people in U.S. history
Koa 4th/5th Multiage
- U.S. Government
- Elections
- Modern Hawaiian history
- World geography & cultures
2018/2019 is Year 2
