KSSS1: Demonstrates knowledge of historical and social science content, concepts, and skills in the areas of development of children's historical thinking; history; cultural geography; diversity, unity, identity, and interdependence; and citizenship as delineated in current national professional standards, in Vermont's Framework of Standards and Learning Opportunities
Evidence 1: Preschool Curriculum Binder
Description: This binder was created by our staff and contains the Next Generation Science Standards, Math Common Core, Vital Results and Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science and Technical Subjects.
Analysis: This resource contains a copy of the Vermont Framework of Standards and Learning Opportunities which contains a break down of History and Social Sciences Standards for children in grades Pre-K through 12. Topics of study include investigation and critical evaluation, history, geography, citizenship, diversity and unity, economics, conflicts and conflict resolution and identity and interdependence. All of these sections also contain subsections with more fine-tuned areas of study. While some of these topics might seem too complex for preschool students, all are relevant and explored at even this level of schooling. Preschoolers might not be able to read an atlas, but after many walks around town they can create their own maps with specific landmarks and then use that material to plan their own walking adventure.
Evidence 2: Vermont Early Learning Standards
Description: The Vermont Early Learning Standards were created to provide guidance for families, teachers and administrators. The VELS describe guiding principles that serve as the core for making informed decisions about what is developmentally appropriate for young children.
Analysis: Children are in the process of broadening their relationships with others in their community, the environment and the world. Through the lens of social studies, children examine how people of all ages live together as groups, and how those groups are influenced by the make up of the land and the events happening around them. Meaningful daily events and a classroom environment that ensures awareness of others and respect help children to build upon the concept of citizenship. As I help children build and follow rules, accept responsibility for classroom, self and others, and introduce complex and challenging issues, children learn how to interact in a community that is built on kindness and fairness.
Evidence 3: Mother Goose Cares About Social Studies Workshop
Description: Mother Goose Cares About Social Studies teaches educators to: identify and expand social studies themes and concepts in their interactions with children, use picture books and related explorations to promote conversations, language skills and vocabulary development, engage children in hands-on activities that help them understand social studies and literacy skills, and learn ways to communicate with families.
Analysis: As children interact with peers and adults, they begin to construct a sense of who they are and to view themselves as learners. When children develop a strong sense of identity they are then able to explore similarities and differences between themselves and others. In my classroom I can support learning in the area of social studies by taking my students on walking trips to explore the town that we are a part of, by having my students create classroom rules, by modeling, teaching and facilitating problem solving skills and conflict resolution, by allowing children time to talk about their families and traditions, and by providing materials that show people of other cultures, times and places participating in various celebrations.
