Social Studies

The Willows Social Studies program is designed to help students become active, reflective and knowledgeable citizens. The curriculum emphasizes the acquisition of skills, knowledge and civic values to foster awareness of community. Through research, literature, photographs, reference materials, technology and field trips, students explore past events and current issues. Teachers help students to make connections between past and present, and among disciplines, by leading discussions, posing questions, and providing historical perspective. The classroom teachers and the school librarian work closely together to help students develop the requisite research skills: locating, evaluating and synthesizing information. Throughout the Lower School, the disciplines of Social Studies and Language Arts are integrated through thematic instruction to facilitate meaningful learning. The Social Studies program follows the California State Framework.