Kindergarten
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First Grade
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Second Grade
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Humanities
Humanities comprises the study of human culture. According the dictionary the word comes from the Latin expression, Studia Humanitatis, meaning the study of humankind. Generally Humanities cover languages, literature, history, visual arts, theater, music, sociology, philosophy, law, and anthropology.
A few months ago, I spent the day at an immense flea market in Webster, Florida. Faded works of art, well worn books, and rusty historical artifacts tell the stories of the people who created and used them. I realized these stories of the past need to be taught to our children.
For several years, educators have been urged to focus primarily on reading and math so children can reach the yearly benchmarks. Students complete state mandated tests to show Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) each year. For the last few years, test results show that students' scores have improved in reading and math. However, I want to know if children understand their historical and geographical subject matter. Knowledge of history provides children with opportunities to know their position in the world and in time.
What about creative and innovative pursuits? How do you measure the creative growth of children? If children know how to read great literature and replicate complex mathematical computations, they have impressive abilities; however, when they can write great literature, paint or draw works of art and write and perform beautiful music they have riches that go beyond mere ability. They become innovative and creative. Creativity and Innovation are difficult to measure on state mandated tests.
A few months ago, I spent the day at an immense flea market in Webster, Florida. Faded works of art, well worn books, and rusty historical artifacts tell the stories of the people who created and used them. I realized these stories of the past need to be taught to our children.
For several years, educators have been urged to focus primarily on reading and math so children can reach the yearly benchmarks. Students complete state mandated tests to show Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) each year. For the last few years, test results show that students' scores have improved in reading and math. However, I want to know if children understand their historical and geographical subject matter. Knowledge of history provides children with opportunities to know their position in the world and in time.
What about creative and innovative pursuits? How do you measure the creative growth of children? If children know how to read great literature and replicate complex mathematical computations, they have impressive abilities; however, when they can write great literature, paint or draw works of art and write and perform beautiful music they have riches that go beyond mere ability. They become innovative and creative. Creativity and Innovation are difficult to measure on state mandated tests.