SOCIAL STUDIES CURRICULUM OVERVIEW FOR PARENTS

GRADE 4

TEACHING AND LEARNING FOR 21st CENTURY LEARNERS…
General Overview
The study of history and social science is vital in promoting a civic-minded, democratic society. All students need to know and understand our national heritage in order to become informed participants in shaping their nation’s future. The History and Social Science Standards of Learning were developed with the assistance of educators, parents, business leaders, and others who have an interest in public education and a civil society.
The History and Social Science Standards of Learning are designed to develop the knowledge and skills of history, geography, civics, and economics that enable students to place the people, ideas, and events that have shaped our world and region into perspective.
The aim of the social studies curriculum is to
-instil in students a thoughtful pride in the history of the Arab and Muslim world through an understanding of what the People of this region launched hundreds of years ago.
-enable students to understand the basic values, principles, and operation of the Arab world.
-prepare students for informed, responsible, and participatory citizenship;
-develop students’ skills in debate, discussion, and writing; and
-provide students with a framework for continuing education in history and the social sciences.
Term 1
  • What is Geography?
  • Geographic Directions
  • Maps
  • Map Symbols
  • Determining Distances
  • Types of Maps
  • Communities
  • Culture
  • Traditions and Customs
  • Positive Traditions and Customs
Term 2
  • Location and Boundaries
  • Population
  • Landforms and Climate
  • The Arabian Peninsula before Islam
  • Muhammad's Life: An Overview
  • Revelation: The Message of Allah
  • The Early Days of Islam
  • The Religion of Islam
  • The Golden Age of Islam
Term 3
  • The Geography of Ancient Egypt
  • The History of Ancient Egypt
  • The Pharaohs
  • Social Life
  • Egyptian Religion
  • The Pyramids
  • Language and Learning
  • Egyptian Contribution to Civilization
  • Water for Life
  • Uses of Water
  • Saving Water
(Please note the term one, two and three content focus is subject to change)

MAJOR TASKS, ASSIGNMENTS, PROJECTS, CLASS ASSIGNED WORK

Students will be working throughout the year on various class assignments, research projects etc. according to the teachers guidelines in social studies.

TEXTS AND RESOURCES

Social Studies
For A Better World Student book
For A Better World Workbook

ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION

Students will be assessed in a variety of ways such as written tests, observations (e.g. classroom participation, conducting experiments and group discussions), projects, assignments, essays, portfolios and oral assessments. Through the use of success criteria and rubrics.

HOME WORK EXPECTATIONS

Homework is an extension of our classroom. It allows your child to develop self-discipline, use time wisely, work independently, apply classroom learned skills, practice and develop a sense of their own responsibility. Your child will bring home their student planner every night. They are responsible for writing down all assignments and completing them. Students may ask for assistance with homework, but are expected to complete all their homework assignments by themselves.
oHomework will be given Sunday through Thursday as the need arises
oStudents will write their homework assignment in their student agendas daily.
oHomework mayconsist of review pages that will reinforce what is being taught (or has previously been taught) in the classroom or task completion.
oStudents should read for at least 30 minutes every night.
oAny incomplete class work may be sent home as homework and is due the next day.
oStudents are responsible for having their homework with them otherwise it will be considered not done.
oStudents are not given permission to make phone calls for parents to bring in homework….this defeats the goal of self-responsibility
oStudents may be asked to finish incomplete homework during their recess time.
oSpecial circumstances may be considered. Please notify your teacher ASAP.
oHomework is to be done in pencil or erasable pen.
*Check your child's agenda to view each day's homework.

TEACHER-HOME COMMUNICATION

oOne way of communication: Newsletter
oTwo way communication: e-mail , Phone calls , Students’ agenda, meeting by appointments
oParent/Teacher interviews will be scheduled after all reports cards are distributed