Unit Overview
Culminating Activity
Vermont Standards
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UNIT SUMMARY

Unit Title:

Ni Hao China!

Unit Author:

Karen Kay

Grade Level:

Kindergarten and First Grade
Unit Overview:
 We live in an ever-increasing world of diversity.  China's rapidly growing influence allows young students in this unit to gain an appreciation for a culture that is both rich and diverse.  The expectation is for students to understand that China has many similar cultural elements as in their own lives, such as art, music and dance.  Yet within those broad cultural dimensions, there are variations that can be learned, celebrated and embraced as a means to enrich and expand our undertsanding of the world we all share.

Essential Questions:
  • Where is China?
  • What is life like in China?
  • How do the Chinese people celebrate the arts?
  • How does life in China compare to life in Vermont?

Culminating Task:
 Students will work both independently and in small groups to plan, prepare and carry out an end-of-unit celebration using criteria presented in the Culminating Activity Rubric.  Family and school staff, such as the principal and support staff, will be invited.  The purpose of this celebration will be to share new learning with guests.  Each student will be responsible for reporting on some aspect of Chinese life including geography, arts and life in China today.

Vermont Standards

Vital Results:
3.10: Students demonstrate respect for themselves and others.
1.13:

Students listen actively and respond to communications.  Evidenced when students:

  • b.: Restate;
  • c. : Respond through discussion, writing and using art forms.
Fields of Knowledge:
6.7:

Students use geographical knowledge and images of various places to undetstand the present, communicate historical interpretation, develop solutions for the problems and plan for the future.  Evidenced when students:

  • b.: Develop a mental map and make a representational map of the major global physica divisions;
  • e.: Make and use legends/keys on a variety of thematic maps.
6.13:

Students understand the concept of culture, including the cultures of indigenous peoples, in various times in their local community, in the United States and in various locations worldwoide.  Evidenced when students:

  • a.: identify the cultural/ethnic groups in the world and describe by using characteristics of culture, e.g., food, housing, customs, beliefs.

 

Time to Complete Unit:  15 lessons plus celebration activity

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