Social Studies / History
Social Studies is alive and well at all grade levels at Holy Family School!
4K and 3 year old Early Childhood classrooms spend the year studying and celebrating the holidays. These include national holidays like Columbus Day and Presidents’ Day as well as holidays that are celebrations of our faith such as Easter and Christmas. 4K and 3EC students also talk about different types of jobs and the role of community helpers.
5 year old Kindergarten students master the seasons and highlight seasonal holidays on our calendar. These students are also introduced to famous people in American history including Christopher Columbus, Native American nations, presidents of the United States, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
1st Graders gain an understanding of where we live on many levels (country, state, community) and begin to develop their map skills. In addition, they begin to identify U. S. symbols and landmarks and continue to study the works of famous Americans who have helped their communities and neighborhoods.
2nd Grade is highlighted by the participation in the Junior Achievement program entitled “Our Community”, which highlights how a city runs and functions. Students continue to master their map skills and enrich their knowledge of our country and state.
3rd Graders look at communities and neighborhoods at a more global level. They identify different types of communities (rural, urban, suburb) and explore our neighbor to the south, Mexico. Students look at how our natural resources should be cared for and begin dissecting the branches of the U.S. government.
Wisconsin is the ‘big cheese’ in 4th Grade, as students continue to study the United States one region at a time.
5th Grade students examine the early history of the United States, focusing specifically on Native American nations, European explorers, the colonization of North America, and our fight for independence.
6th Graders begin their middle school experience by studying the history of the world and the civilizations that have helped contribute to its success. Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, Africa, the Americas (Aztec, Inca, and Maya), China, and Japan are many of the ancient civilizations that are highlighted.
The International Fair is the highlight of the 7th Grade year, as students study the world and the religions, customs, physical features, and political boundaries that shape it today.
8th Grade students end their time at Holy Family with one last look at our country’s story. Students spend time reviewing primary and secondary sources, identifying cause and effect, and preparing to become active citizens of this nation by understanding the role they can choose to play in the government.