Here at VVA it is important to us that our children are not only getting an excellent education, but to also learn about the community they are in and how to contribute to it. Let’s talk with one of our 2nd grade teachers to hear about something the 2nd graders have been studying this month.
VVA Reporter: I heard that you did a fantastic project in social studies this past month. What was it?
Miss Sarah: Yes! We were able to study about and make models of different kinds of communities. After that, we studied what it means to be a good citizen in a community.
VVA Reporter: Why is it important for students to learn about communities?
Miss Sarah: Learning about communities is important because it gives them a context in which to learn about the place that they live. They also get to learn ways that they can help those around them.
VVA Reporter: What were the main goals you wanted them to learn?
Miss Sarah: The goal of the project was to help the girls really understand what these different kinds of communities look like and give them an opportunity to think about the things that make communities great.
VVA Reporter: What could you see that your students liked about this project?
Miss Sarah: They loved being able to go through the many stages of building their community. At first they wanted to jump right into building them, but when they slowed down, they really enjoyed the brainstorming and planning stages.
VVA Reporter: Thanks Sarah! The models they made look great too. I’m sure they will remember many things about this unit and the project.
Kethia: I liked making the different houses. I learned that it is important to do things well, to help my community, and to respect others around me.
AnnaMarie: I liked making the people to go in my community model. It’s important for me to know more about the place that I live in. Also, I learned that to be a good citizen in a community means to be kind and to do things that help other people.
VVA Reporter: Wow! Sounds like you two are on your way to really understanding your community and being model citizens.
