|
The state requirements for Social Studies in the Early Elementary consists of Family (Gr. K), Neighborhood (Gr. 1), and our Town (Gr. 2). We found that our students are already familiar with these social venues so our curriculum is to study one country from each of the major continental areas each year without repeating for 3 years. We study the geography & weather, the flora & fauna, the culture, the language, foods, clothing, etc., and compare them all with our country and then with the other countries we study throughout the year.
Our first country to study this year is Greece. We began our unit with finding Greece on the globe and comparing its location to ours. We created our own maps, adding in rivers and mountains, including the famous Mount Olympus. Next, we discussed native flora and fauna. The students found that Greece shares many animals with Michigan such as wolves, bears, and porcupines. Plant life showed more differences. While many trees were similar, Greece's dry areas support succulents and cacti like the prickly pear.
Pictured below, Finley, Cassie, Aliya, Owen, and Finnley show off their own prickly pears.
| 
