Jennifer E. Lawson 
Hands-On Social Studies for Ontario, Grade 2 [PDF ebook] 
An Inquiry Approach

Introduction to Hands-On Social Studies, Grade 2 1

• Program Introduction 2


• What Is Social Studies? 2


• The Goals of Social Studies 2


• The Inquiry Approach to Social Studies 2


• Hands-On Social Studies Concepts and Expectations 3
  
  
  
  • Overall Expectations 3
  
  
  • Concepts of Social Studies Thinking 3
  
  
  • Big Ideas 3
  
  
  • Specific Expectations 3
  
  


• Hands-On Social Studies Program Principles 3


• Program Implementation 4
  
  
  
  • Program Resources 4
  
  
  • Introduction to the Unit 4
  
  


• Lessons 5


• Accommodating Diverse Learners 6


• Classroom Environment 6


• Planning Units (Time Lines) 7


• Classroom Management 7


• Social Studies Skills: Guidelines for Teachers 7
  
  
  
  • Communication 7
  
  
  • Research 11
  
  

Hands-On Social Studies Assessment Plan 12

• The Hands-On Social Studies Assessment Plan 12
  
  
  
  • Assessment for Learning 13
  
  
  • Assessment as Learning 13
  
  
  • Assessment of Learning 14
  
  


• Performance Assessment 14


• Portfolios 15


• Summative Achievement Levels 15


• Important Note for Teachers 15


• References 15


• Social Studies Achievement Chart 16


• Assessment Blackline Masters 18

Strand A: Heritage and Identity Unit 2A: Changing Family and Community Traditions 29

• Unit Overview 30


• Curricular Expectations 31


• Concepts of Social Studies Thinking: Success Criteria 33


• Cross-Curricular Connections 34


• Books for Students 35


• Websites and Videos 38


• Introduction to the Unit 39
  
  
  
  • 1 Launching the Unit: What’s in a Name? 41
  
  
  • 2 Investigating Countries of Origin 49
  
  
  • 3 What Is Culture? 54
  
  
  • 4 Family Time Lines 58
  
  
  • 5 Family Diversity 66
  
  
  • 6 Family Traditions 71
  
  
  • 7 Changing Times 75
  
  
  • 8 Community Diversity 80
  
  
  • 9 Changes in My Community 84
  
  
  • 10 Community Traditions and Celebrations 91
  
  
  • 11 Celebrations Over Time 95
  
  
  • 12 Culminating Activity: A Class Celebration 107
  
  


• References for Teachers 115

Strand B: People and Environments Unit 2B: Global Communities 117

• Unit Overview 118


• Curricular Expectations 119


• Concepts of Social Studies Thinking: Success Criteria 121


• Cross-Curricular Connections 122


• Books for Students 123


• Websites and Videos 125


• Introduction to the Unit 126
  
  
  
  • 1 Launching the Unit: Our World 129
  
  
  • 2 Getting Around the World with Atlases, Maps, and Globes 136
  
  
  • 3 Exploring Cold and Hot Regions of the World 143
  
  
  • 4 Living in Different Climates 152
  
  
  • 5 Meeting Our Needs: Clothing 157
  
  
  • 6 Meeting Our Needs: Shelter 160
  
  
  • 7 Meeting Our Needs: Food 164
  
  
  • 8 Meeting Our Needs: Water 167
  
  
  • 9 Natural Environments and Ways of Life 173
  
  
  • 10 Plants and Animals Around the World 180
  
  
  • 11 Daily Life Around the World 190
  
  
  • 12 Inquiry Through Interview 195
  
  
  • 13 Culminating Activity: Our World’s Fair 200
  
  


• References for Teachers 209

Appendix: Image Banks 211

About the Contributors 216

Jennifer E. Lawson, Ph D, is the creator of the Hands-On books published by Portage & Main Press. As senior writer and editor for the series, she has contributed to more than 50 publications for teachers and students. Jennifer provides professional development workshops for educators locally, nationally, and virtually, and is a Workplace Wellness Advisor. Her most recent book is a collective effort called Teacher, Take Care: A Guide to Well-Being and Workplace Wellness for Educators. She is also one of the founders of Mission to Mexico, an organization that supports schools in some of the most impoverished communities in Puerto Vallarta. Throughout her extensive career in education, Jennifer has worked as a classroom teacher, resource and special education teacher, consultant, principal, university instructor, and school trustee. She lives with her family in Winnipeg, Manitoba.