Grades: 2-4
Length: 16/15 Minute
Rights: Annual Lease
Internet:
http://www.mcps.k12.md.us/curriculum/socialstd/ss.bookmarks.html
This series helps students understand why we celebrate certain days, commonly referred to as "holidays." The programs use an interdisciplinary approach combining language arts, reading, science, mathematics, and the fine arts around a social science framework. (CC) SOL correlation for all programs: H: K.1, K.7, K.8, 1.2, 1.3.
Block Feed
Thursday 1/6/09 2:00-4:00 a.m.
Wednesday 4/22/09 2:00-2:30 a.m.
1. New Years Day(s). Francesca, our guide, takes us to several locations where people are celebrating New Years Day in a variety of ways. She explains how the calendar was developed, and briefly describes the solar and lunar calendars. The dropping of the lighted ball in New York City, “Auld Lang Syne” and street celebrations are shown as traditional ways to celebrate New Year’s Day. The Chinese New Year celebration is also shown, depicting the dragon as a symbol of goodness and strength. Francesca concludes the program by writing a New Year’s resolution and challenging the audience to make and keep their own resolutions. S: 1.6 H: 1.1
2. Martin Luther King Jr./Black History Month. Martin Luther King, Jr. believed in peaceful protest. He dedicated his entire life to his cause, speaking, preaching, and teaching that America should be a place where everyone should be treated fairly. The beginning of the video shows the turmoil of the sixties and the unfair treatment of minorities. Teachers may want to discuss this prior to showing the video. The program features gatherings of school children across the nation paying tribute to Dr. King through song and speech. We visit Kings birthplace, church, and museums. At the Civil Rights museum, you will see the Rosa Parks bus and a replica of the Woolworth lunch counter sit-in. We also witness the 1963 signing of the Civil Rights Bill by President Johnson, which helped bring King’s dream of equality to life. The program ends with a challenge to explore avenues of friendship. H: K.1, 1.12, 2.11, 2.12, 3.11
3. President's Day. In this program, we first visit Washington D.C., the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. We then go to Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington. Here we meet Washington’s blacksmith and doctor, and we learn interesting facts about Washington. From Mount Vernon, we travel to Illinois to visit the homes of Abraham Lincoln in New Salem and Springfield. Here we meet a tavern keeper and a national park service tour guide who takes us on a tour of places where Lincoln Lived and worked. Francesca concludes our visits by challenging students to learn more about these two very important Presidents. H: K.1, K.9, 1.2, 1.3, 1.9, 2.9, 2.11, 3.11
4. Woman's History Month. In this program, children see a collage of women in non-traditional roles. Florence Nightingale. Francesca visits her mother, a radio announcer, and they discuss opportunities for women today. Francesca then challenges the audience to talk to women about what they do. H: K.5, 1.1 , 2.11, 2.12, 3.11
5. Arbor Day/Earth Day. In this program, our host, Francesca introduces important facts about trees, as we view trees in different seasons and locations. A class visits Arbor Lodge in Nebraska City, Nebraska, the home of J. Sterling Morton, author of Arbor Day. A class plants a tree in Lincoln, Nebraska, in honor of Arbor Day. The next event is a visit to an Australian rain forest. Francesca’s teacher explains how trees are an integral part of the web of life on earth. H: 1.9, 2.7, 2.9, 3.7, 3.9
6. Memorial Day/Veteran's Day. This program examines the ceremonies and commemorations to show respect for those that serve or have served our nation. The program begins with the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. Visiting children from Tennessee place a wreath at the tomb. “Taps” is played and the flag is displayed at half-staff with the Curtis Lee Mansion shown in the day. Other monuments are shown, as well as several Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day activities. background. Later, Francesca and her grandfather share facts about Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day. H: 1.11, 1.12, 2.12, 3.11
7. Flag Day/Citizenship Day. This program examines various symbols, with the main focus being America’s flag, the symbol of our country. Much of the program focuses on people and how they view the flag. The program begins and concludes with a Flag Day parade in Appleton, Wisconsin, the birthplace of Flag Day. Also included is the poem “The Flag We Fly,” by Aileen Fisher, the history of Flag Day, unique trip to a flag factory, flag etiquette, the Pledge Of Allegiance, and the meaning of the red, white, and blue. An exciting conclusion to the program is the National Anthem with words on the screen so that the viewers can sing along. This program can also be easily adapted and used for Citizenship Day. H: K.1, K.9, 1.11, 1.12, 3.7
8. Independence Day(s). This program salutes Independence Day (July 4th), Cinco de Mayo (May 5th), and Sies do Septiembre (September 16th). Our guide, Francesca, takes us to Washington D.C., where we visit the Thomas Jefferson memorial. We visit with Thomas Jefferson at this home in Monitcello. Then we go to Philadelphia to se the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Francesca explains some of the symbols of our freedom like the eagle, the Liberty Bell (also on the fifty-cent piece) and some symbols of our money. We visit several Fourth of July celebrations. Mexican Independence Days are celebrated with parades, dancing, and carnivals. H: K.1, K.2, 1.2, 1.3, 1.11, 2.9, 2.11, 3.4, 3.11
9. Native American Day. Francesca, our guide, takes us to a Native American store. She explains the important contributions of Native Americans, including names, foods, and ideas that we have adopted. We learn how the Native Americans helped the Pilgrims to survive in the New World. Francesca’s Native American friends talk to us about Native American heritage, past and present. We learn that we have received many foods and ideas from them. We also visit a Native American boy named Red Wing, and spend the day with him. H: K.2, K.6, 1.1, 1.12, 2.2, 2.3, 2.12, 3.3, 3.4, 3.11, 3.12, 4.1
10. Thanksgiving Day. From the very first Thanksgiving in Plymouth Colony when the Pilgrims and the Native Americans celebrated together, to present-day family gatherings, Americans have set aside a special day to remember our many reasons to be thankful. A variety of celebrations are featured with ethnic foods. Cultures highlighted are Hispanic, Asian-American, African-American, and Anglo-American. We also visit a homeless shelter. Notice the variety of family structures, including the extended family, one parent family, and traditional family. H: K.1, K.2, 2.2
11. Labor Day. Children learn the value of work ethics, fairness in the workplace, and the history of Labor Day. Labor practices of children throughout the world are reviewed. This program will be an incentive to appreciate the American education system. H: K.2, K.6, 1.10, 2.3, 2.7, 3.7
12. Book Week. Viewers visit a book factory, meet authors, visit places where books are made available to readers, and learn more about the importance of books. The joy of reading will be emphasized. H: K.6, 2.7, 3.7
13. Election Day. Children learn that elections are an earned right and responsibility of citizens. They meet new citizens and learn why and how they became citizens. We will compare and contrast school elections to national elections. H: 1.11, 1.12, 2.10, 2.12, 3.10, 3.11, 3.12
14. Olympics/Special Olympics. Sportsmanship, competition, national pride and honor among Olympians will be emphasized. Olympic history will be reviewed. The value of doing your best will be demonstrated. H: K.2, 1.10, 2.12, 3.1, 3.4, 3.12
15. Groundhog Day. This popular but little understood holiday will be explained along with the concept of spring. S: K.7
16. Daylight Savings Time. "The day we change the clocks." Children will learn the why and when. What happens when the earth revolves around the sun? What happens when we don't change our clocks? Time zones and the reasons for them will be discussed. S: 3.8