Social Studies Foundation: 2 - History and Events

Topic: SS2.4 - Demonstrate awareness of the functions of government

Governments are an active force in guiding social and economic development. The functions of government are to ensure national security, maintain order, resolve conflict, provide services, and provide for the public good. Awareness of the function of government requires an initial understanding of societal norms and values at all levels of society (e.g. family, classroom, community, state, etc.).

The development of an awareness of the function of government is foundational to:
*Informed and thoughtful participation in all levels of the community
*The impact of present day decisions on the future
*Understanding the systems and services a government provides for its citizens

Looking Ahead to Kindergarten	Family Engagement	Special Populations
In kindergarten, students will be asked to give examples of classroom and school rules and explain the importance of following these rules to ensure order and safety (K.2.3).	Encourage families to: Provide opportunities to have a "vote" (e.g. "Today, we can have tacos or spaghetti for dinner. Who would like tacos?”) Provide opportunities for children to be part of planning for events in the family or community.	Educators can: Provide visual supports and accessible materials. Suggest community service projects to help students understand how each and every student (regardless of ability) can contribute to the greater good. *Turn concepts into games (e.g. matching recyclables to the recycle symbol and non-recyclables to the trash symbol).

Looking Ahead to Kindergarten

Family Engagement

Special Populations

In kindergarten, students will be asked to give examples of classroom and school rules and explain the importance of following these rules to ensure order and safety (K.2.3).

Encourage families to:

*Provide opportunities to have a "vote" (e.g. "Today, we can have tacos or spaghetti for dinner. Who would like tacos?”)
*Provide opportunities for children to be part of planning for events in the family or community.

Educators can:

*Provide visual supports and accessible materials.
*Suggest community service projects to help students understand how each and every student (regardless of ability) can contribute to the greater good.
*Turn concepts into games (e.g. matching recyclables to the recycle symbol and non-recyclables to the trash symbol).

Powerful Practices
Across all developmental stages, educators can: View rules and regulations for programs as a guide to providing a safe and caring learning environment. Provide time for children to interpret and represent life experiences and their place in the world (e.g. drawing, writing, art, creative movement, play, puppetry, music stories, and conversation). Give child specific, simple, and respectful communication when guiding behavior (Instead of saying "Good job", give them specific information about what they are doing. Educator says, "Candice! Look at how well you and Maria are working together on building this tower!"). Model and reinforce positive behaviors while using challenging behaviors as teachable moments.
Infant
Establish familiar routines Guide infant by redirecting behaviors (e.g. infant pulls the hair of another child, and educator provides another sensory item.)
Younger Toddler
Give child specific, simple, and positive guidance (i.e. one step directions)
Older Toddler
Keep guidance simple and positive, focusing on safety and care of self and others Guide behaviors by acknowledging actions and situations throughout the day
Younger Preschool
Establish purposeful, simple guidance that relate to the safety and care of self and others Discuss purpose of program expectations and involve child in designing them
Older Preschool
Discuss purpose of program expectations and involve child in designing them Discuss simple character traits needed to develop into a person who would contribute positively to the community Discuss how expectations/rules protect us as well as those around us (i.e. building empathy)

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