Social Studies

  Primary through Level 2 integrate social studies into thematic, crosscurricular units.
Development of "self" moves age appropriately through understanding of individual place and participation in expanding communities: classroom, family, neighborhood, world.
k-1
2nd
3rd Levels 3 – 5 expand thinking through time and geographical range using annual themes:
(3) Native CA,
(4) CA History,
(5) Early U.S.
 Emphasis is on understanding of migrational impact and intersocial relationship. Geographic concepts, critical thinking, & project collaboration are developed in a fully integrated program.
4th
5th
6th Middle School Humanities courses are designed to maintain the integrated foundation established in Elementary, while moving toward departmentalization. While specialized reading, writing, and communication skills are emphasized all curricular areas, a particular synthesis is considered with social studies. Six Humanities language skills development, through word study, writers’ workshop and core literature, is project motivated in conjunction with studies Ancient Civilization. Sitton, Daybook, and Sourcebook are continued.
7th Global Studies
Cultural, economic, socio-political interactions between countries. Current events.
8th American Studies
Constitution, Bill of Rights, 1776 – present, emphasis on nature of "freedom" in American history and culture.
Native American Presentation

Level 3 students at Turning Point School pay particular focus in their social studies and art classes to Native American culture. An in-depth study of tribes indigenous to Southern California culminates in a presentation for Parents’ Night. The evening showcases written reports on particular tribes. Wearing native costume, students give summaries of their research, demonstrate artifacts, and model traditional dancing and the transmission of oral history.