HISTORIANS IN THE MAKING

Social studies content allows young learners to explain relationships with other people, to institutions, and to the environment, and equips them with knowledge and understanding of the past. Utilizing the New Jersey State Standards for social studies, our lower school teachers prepare countless projects and learning experiences for students to enhance their social studies knowledge. Learning should be fun and engaging. Students at Pioneer Academy are given ample opportunities to be involved in their learning and create meaningful experiences.

In social studies, our Pioneer 1st Graders learned about families. They learned that families are unique and look different from one another. They ended their unit discussing traditions. They learned about each other’s family and cultural traditions. The students then had an at-home project to complete. They were able to choose a family or cultural tradition that they wanted to share with the class. They did such an amazing job and we learned so much about one another! At Pioneer we love to foster a sense of acceptance and belongingness. Having students learn about each other’s families and traditions is a great way to do so.

Our social studies curriculum advances throughout all of the grade levels. Students are able to build on their skills and knowledge each school year. Third graders learn important map features and spatial thinking skills during their map skills unit. Students draw their own maps of the playground by using the cardinal directions and laying items out on a grid. This kind of spatial awareness allows students to comprehend and analyze the world around them. Next, they will hide their “treasure” on the playground and trade maps with one another and conduct a treasure hunt!

At Pioneer, we utilize a rigorous, engaging curriculum called Singapore Math. This curriculum ensures that students understand the math they are doing. They do not just memorize algorithms. They are engaged in the mathematics concepts and are immersed in the mathematics language. Students are given manipulatives during math lessons so that their interest is captured and they are physically involved. Students are given an effective toolkit to be successful in their learning. A strong foundation for mathematics skills is set in Kindergarten. Our kindergarten students start the year off strong with understanding numbers 0-10. They then advance their skills by comparing numbers and learning numbers up to 20. A strong number sense is a great way to set students up for success. Through the usage of manipulatives, students are able to construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.

Our lower school students enjoyed their first field trip of the school year to Demarest Farms in Hillsdale, NJ. During the field trip, the students enjoyed a hayride, picked pumpkins, enjoyed apple cider donuts, and pet some farm animals! It was an amazing way to kick off the school year. The smiles on their faces lit up the whole picnic area. They were able to take their pumpkins home.

Ms. Puliafico & Ms. Parke did an excellent job engaging students in conversations about what they noticed around them and about the pumpkins. Some other field trips our lower school have gone on in the past are the Aquarium, Science Museum, Wacky-Challenge, and Turtleback Zoo. Field trips are a great way for students to build social skills and engage in learning experiences outside the classroom.