Theme/Science

The central theme is “human beings.” As a class we uncover universal human truths, making an ongoing list about what is true about all human beings: We all have feelings, we all have perspectives, we all make mistakes, and we are all smart. We look at stereotypes, and learn to use our universal truths list to help us recognize and break stereotypes. Using educator Howard Gardner’s nine kinds of intelligence, and examine areas of our intelligence that we would like to grow.  We also define “courage.”  And, as a class, work toward being courageous every day. Dragons are an important symbol in the classroom, standing for the things that challenge us. We have many discussions about the growth that occurs when we face one dragon at a time, and use a class dragon puppet to play roles and work on social skills and class cohesion throughout the year. In January, we begin a comprehensive heroism study in which each child studies a brave person who has overcome tremendous obstacles in his or her life, and who has contributed to the world through inventions, social justice and humanitarian work, or by inspiring others to break out of stereotypical roles.  The children take on the part of one historic hero, research his/her life and work, and give an individual presentation as that person near the end of the year.

While reading, writing, math and art are incorporated into this broad topic, science and social studies units form the backbone of our theme study. Other aspects of our year include:

• Studying the human body extensively, beginning with the skeletal system • Visit the Jackson Homestead in Newton, a real Underground Railroad site, and learn more about encoded songs and stories of fugitive slaves • Engage in a year-long environmental study of Willow Pond at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, with whom we have an ongoing educational partnership