LASF: My School / Elementary Humanities

My School: Elementary Schools

Elementary Social Studies/Humanities

Student Artwork LASF is committed to humanities education in literature, languages and social studies. At the elementary level, LASF's Instructor Program introduces students to multi-cultural experiences as they learn about everything from Chinese New Year and Chinese culture, to Native California and their own ethnic roots. History is showcased in units on the Gold Rush and a tour of Lafayette History. LASF brings California Poets in the Schools to all 4th and 10th graders. Writing for Mastery Programs at both Stanley and Acalanes provide tutorial writing for students. In addition, Foreign Language Tutors offer students the opportunity to expand their language skills and immerse themselves in the culture through special projcets. In the area of humanities, LASF offers students a broad range of unique and unforgettable educational experiences.

Instructional Framework

Kindergarten

Native Americans (3 1-hour sessions)
Students learn about the Native Americans who greeted the first settlers. Food, clothing, homes, ceremonies, tools, and weapons come to life with hands-on artifacts. Native American storytelling, songs, dances, and games are incorporated into the sessions.

First Grade

Chinese New Year (2 1-hour sessions)
This class looks at Chinese New Year, and the beliefs and customs of its celebrants. Many hands-on artifacts are introduced to help this culture come alive for students. Food, clothing, music, storytelling, and the decorative designs of China are examined.

Second Grade

Ethnic Folk Tales Through Storytelling (3 1-hour sessions)
Through storytelling, this unit brings folk tales from around the world into the classroom. Students learn the storytelling skills necessary for telling their own ethnic and family stories. (Revised format)

Third Grade

A Child's Historical Perspective of Lafayette (3 classroom sessions plus a field trip)
This program familiarizes students with the history of Lafayette. It combines historical materials, artifacts, maps, slides, videotapes, computer materials, and historical tours to acquaint students with the city of Lafayette, past and present. Student use the Lafayette history book, A Town Called Lafayette, written by LASF Instructors Emily Haas and Mary McCosker and donated to the classroom by LASF, to supplement learning.

Native American (2 classrooms at one time - 1 ½ - 2 hours)
This mini-assembly program introduces students to the Native American culture. Through the use of artifacts, storytelling and sharing, students learn from a Native American about traditions, customs, dress and crafts.

Fourth Grade

Native Californians (a full day session)
Through a combination of slides, demonstrations, and hands-on artifacts, students learn about the food, clothing, shelter, tools, weapons, and traditions of Native Californians. Students experience life as a Native Californian by participating in face painting, handicrafts, and games of skill and chance.

California Gold Rush (½ day session)
The dynamics of a Gold Rush town are explained using a "living history" approach. Topics covered include the lives of the participants of the Gold Rush, methods of transportation, and the roles of Sutter and Marshall. Using slides, lecture, and discussion, together with hands-on activities, the class experiences the Gold Rush first hand. Students are encouraged to dress as pioneers and miners. In addition, many classrooms host a miners' lunch to enhance the rich historical feel of the day.

The California Poets in the Schools Program (5 1-hour sessions)
LASF brings a professional poet into the classroom for five sessions. During the course of this unit, students are taught and encouraged to write, read, interpret, and enjoy poetry.

Fifth Grade

Princes, Pioneers, Politicians, and Pathfinders (4 1½ hour sessions)
This unit features eight figures from four historical periods. Students learn about the lives and times of the historical figures through artifacts, materials, literature and other cultural elements. Activities include mapping, costumes, quill writing and sealing with wax.

"Exploring Humanities" Brochure

The information on this page is contained in the LASF brochure "Exploring Humanities." The brochure is available for viewing and/or printing in Adobe Acrobat "pdf" format.

The artwork on this page was reproduced from original art created by students of Lafayette public schools made in LASF art classes or in art classes supported by LASF funding.