Cultural Studies is a focal of point of the fourth and fifth grade curriculum. It provides a unique opportunity for developing perspectives, ways of thinking, and structures for analyzing information. I choose this photograph to show that even the most unlikely object can provoke serious thought and discussion.
California 2017-18
I. Geography
Know: location of California’s major waterways, landforms, natural resources etc.
Understand: California has attracted human settlement throughout time because of its bounty of natural resources.
Do: Draw a detailed California map to be displayed in the classroom.
II. Native Californians, Explorers, Missionaries, and Rancheros
Know: major tribal groups, European explorers, mission facts, life on a rancho
Understand: European exploration and colonization resulted in the oppression and near extinction of California’s Indigenous peoples.
Do: Speak and write from multiple perspectives on historical events.
III. Fort Ross
We will spend two days and a night at Fort Ross State Historic Park in northwestern Sonoma County. We will spend the month of January dying, sewing, learning Russian language, and otherwise preparing for this immersive experience. 12-16 parents will accompany the class, and they must come in to class in January at least twice to prepare their group.There will be artisans, hunters/fishers, cooks, and militia. Everyone will take a Russian name, dress in period regalia, and even stay up in watches of the night. There will be an organizational meeting on the evening of Thursday, December 7 for all interested parents.
IV. The Gold Rush, Statehood, Immigration, and Modern California
Know: Europeans, Chinese and various other groups immigrated to California in the mid-1800s with the hope of a better life.
Understand: The Gold Rush had a catastrophic effect on California’s natural environment.
Do: Pan for gold at Sutter’s Mill, write poetry in the style of the Chinese interned on Angel’s Island, visit Chinatown, write a research paper, write and perform a play.
Multicultural America 2018-19
Favorite texts:
- A Different Mirror for Young People: A History of Multicultural America by Ronald Takaki and adapted by Rebecca Stefoff
- A History of US by Joy Hakim
Themes, Essential Questions, Projects
I. Geography
a. How do geography/topography affect travel and settlement?
b. Make a wall map of a state with a checklist of facts.
Latitude and longitude practice on the labyrinth
II. Colonies, Revolution, Constitution
a. Why do people move? What is a country? What is patriotism and the American identity?
b. Jamestown, the Origins of Slavery, “Dealing” with the Indians
III. Jefferson and the Louisiana Purchase leads to the Lewis and Clark Expedition
a. How and why did the US government encourage Westward expansion and how did it impact Native people?
b. The Lewis and Clark simulation
The L&C Simulation usually brings rain and a muddy hike in a place like Briones Regional Park, and students work as a team to navigate, take botanical samples, negotiate passage with Native peoples, etc.
The Fall Feast is a fall celebration that brings together students and families. Children love to cook (and so do teachers!). This year, we will have a Stone Soup theme and include Strawberry!
IV. The Oregon Trail
a. What is pioneer spirit?
b. The Oregon Trail simulation
The Oregon Trail simulation has students working in small groups to discuss and decide upon challenging situations on the trail. Students join families, take on new names, and pack their wagons. It gets heated!
We have also been known to construct our own wagons. This particular year the students had to haul all their camping gear into Redwood Park with their wagons.
VI. Intercontinental Railroad
a. How did the railroad signify the end of the Westward movement and closing of the frontier?
b. Sacramento Railroad Museum via Capital Corridor
The year typically ends with a dramatic performance. Students help shape the type of show we put on; they write the scripts, design the costumes–or puppets, in this case–and perform the music.
VII. All new in 2018-19
a. Irish potato famine, Mexican immigration, Jews emigrate from Russia, Black Migration to Northern cities, and more!