The social studies curriculum at Oak Hill follows the guidelines suggested by the National Council for Social Studies. It is designed to educate for citizenship in the 21st century. Students are exposed to historical, economic, geographical, and sociological concepts via textbooks, field trips, projects, and hands-on activities as they work together to achieve an understanding of the world of yesterday, today and tomorrow.
The program begins at junior kindergarten with an exploration of self and family. The kindergarten child learns about Native Americans and the Pilgrim experience. He/she also investigates home and family relationships and begins to expand his/her knowledge to the outside world by learning about various occupations. The first grader learns about self and the school.
Great Americans are the subjects of individual projects as are current events. Nigeria is the topic of choice for geography in the first grade.
As a child advances through the grades, the concentrations of the subject continue to expand. At second grade, map skills, food, transportation, and the environment are topics. Japan is the geographic focus at this grade. The students experience a Japanese tea ceremony and perform a children’s tale in the Kabuki tradition.
Comparative studies is the methodology of the third grade year. Students study and compare the history, government, economics, and sociology of Native American communities and the Pilgrims of Plymouth. Map skills and current events also are subjects of consideration.
The fourth grade experience encompasses the development of North America, the American Revolution, Westward Expansion, Missouri History, current events, and map skills.
Fifth grade explores American history through the Industrial Revolution. Instructional methods include individual research projects and small group work. Map skills and current events are also subjects of consideration.
Ancient civilizations are the topics of grade six, which requires a fully developed research. The year ends with a special World’s Fair project which is attended by the entire school.
Geography is considered an important aspect of the social studies curriculum and is an integral part of the program at every grade level.
