Classes & Curriculum |
Social Studies at WilsonThe social studies curriculum draws on the humanities and social sciences, including history, geography, government, economics, sociology, psychology, and anthropology. The goals of the program are to teach citizenship (social responsibility), the value of diversity and the importance of personal responsibility (character education). The Wilson faculty advocates an inquiry approach to learning the following skills: fact finding, synthesis of information, critical and evaluative thinking, and decision-making. The content builds on the student's prior knowledge and experiences, and the teachers use a variety of resources within the school and the community. Some of the units of study are: China in SK, Cahokia Indian Culture in second grade, Westward Expansion and Wagons West in third grade, early American history in fifth grade, and Ancient Civilizations in sixth grade. Each year the faculty develops a school-wide theme to support the social studies curriculum's goals, as well as the school's mission. The theme is integrated into the school's motto, "Make Your Mark A Good One" (MYMAGO). Classroom activities and special assemblies are planned that relate to the theme. Some examples are service projects, the study of famous Americans and their contribution to history, Wilson families' traditions and rituals, and performances by professional storytellers and dancers. |