Historical and Cultural Thinking
In Grade 2, students develop an appreciation for how our past and present shape our identity. They explore the roots of their identity as Caribbean people through family relationships, festivals and celebrations, and historical sites. This knowledge helps students understand and appreciate the rich cultural heritage that forms their identity.
Grade Two Expectations for Historical and Cultural Thinking
Essential Learning Outcome 1: Our Ancestors
- State where the early settlers came from
- Explain how and why the early settlers came to the Caribbean
- Discuss why our community is made up of diverse ethnic groups
- Identify the early groups of people who settled in our community
- Identify on a map the locations from which the early people settled in our community came
- Recognize that the community is made up of families of different ethnic origins
Specific Curriculum Outcomes
By the end of Grade Two, the learner will be expected to:
Inclusive Assessment Strategies
Assessment strategies that provide information about learning:
- Observations: Observe students during activities like Four Corners, role plays, and community service projects
- Conversations: Video/picture inferencing, guided discussions, oral inquiries, student reflections
- Products: Map work, discussions and analysis of data, model building, poster collages, scrapbooks
Sample Assessment Tools:
- Peer assessment checklists for community representations
- Reflective exit forms after field trips
- Map location activities to identify origins of ancestors
- Family tree labeling activities
- Scenario-based activities to identify positive interactions
Inclusive Learning Strategies
Additional Resources and Materials
For Teachers
- World maps and country maps
- Historical and modern photographs of the community
- Books and videos about ancestors, family relationships, and festivals
- Art supplies for family trees and model building
- OECS Grade 2 Social Studies Curriculum Guide
For Students
- Culturally diverse pictures and books
- Family photographs for creating family trees
- Materials for creating models and drawings
- Digital devices for virtual exploration of maps and historical sites
- Journal for recording observations and reflections
Teacher Content Knowledge
Our ancestors came from different parts of the world for various reasons and at different times. The main groups and their locations are:
- Amerindians - South America
- Europeans - Europe
- Africans - West Africa
- Asians - Asia
The family is made up of a group of persons related by blood, marriage, and adoption. Relationships include grandparents, parents, and children. A family tree shows how persons in a family are related to each other.
Countries celebrate different festivals for varied reasons, such as Christmas, Easter, Carnival, Divali, Independence, Creole, and La Rose. Festivals are important because they help us celebrate our ancestors/past, continue our traditions, unite persons in our communities, and earn money for families.