Lesson Plan for 1st Grade - Social Studies - Family and Community

**Lesson Plan: Family and Community** **Grade:** 1st Grade **Duration:** 45 minutes **Subject:** Social Studies **Topic:** Family and Community --- ### Learning Objectives: 1. Understand the concept of family and the different roles each family member can have. 2. Recognize the various parts of a community and the different people who work to make it function. 3. Develop an appreciation for the diversity within their family and community. ### Materials Needed: - Chart paper and markers - Pictures of different types of families and community members - Crayons, colored pencils, and drawing paper - Glue sticks and construction paper - A picture book about families or communities (e.g., "The Family Book" by Todd Parr or "Whose Hands Are These?" by Miranda Paul) ### Standards Addressed: 1.1.2 Understand how individuals work together as families and community members. 1.1.3 Identify roles and responsibilities within their family and community. --- ### Lesson Procedure: #### Introduction (5 minutes) 1. **Begin with a Story:** Read a picture book that describes different types of families or community members. - For example, "The Family Book" by Todd Parr covers a wide range of families in a simple and engaging format. 2. **Discussion Prompt:** Ask students to think about their own family and one thing they do together that makes them happy. #### Direct Instruction (10 minutes) 1. **Define Family and Community:** - On a piece of chart paper, write "Family" and ask students for words that come to mind when they think of the word. Write these words around the term. - Do the same for the word "Community." 2. **Show Pictures:** - Display images of different types of families (nuclear, extended, single-parent, etc.) - Display images of community helpers (teachers, doctors, firefighters, etc.) 3. **Explain Roles:** - Discuss the roles of different family members (e.g., parents caregiving, children’s roles in the household). - Explain how various community helpers contribute to the community's well-being. #### Guided Practice (10 minutes) 1. **Create a Family Tree:** - Provide students with drawing paper and crayons. - Ask them to draw their family members and label each member. - Use construction paper to create a tree outline where students can place their family drawings. 2. **Identify Community Helpers:** - Show pictures of community helpers and discuss their roles. - Ask children to name community helpers they see in their neighborhoods. #### Independent Activity (10 minutes) 1. **My Family and Community:** - Each student creates a poster that includes a drawing of their family on one side and drawings of community helpers on the other. - Encourage them to include labels or small explanations next to each drawing. #### Sharing (5 minutes) 1. **Gallery Walk:** - Have students display their posters around the classroom. - Conduct a gallery walk where students can walk around and look at each other’s work. 2. **Sharing with the Class:** - Choose a few volunteers to share one thing about their family and one thing about their community helpers. #### Closure (5 minutes) 1. **Review Key Points:** - Ask students to recall one thing they learned about families and one thing they learned about community helpers. 2. **Closing Statement:** - Emphasize how every family is unique and important and how everybody in a community plays a vital role. ### Assessment: - **Informal Observation:** - Monitor students’ engagement during discussions and activities. - Check for understanding through their drawings and labels on the posters. - **Questions and Responses:** - Ask open-ended questions to gauge their grasp of the concepts. ### Extensions: - **Home Assignment:** - Ask students to bring a photo of their family and share it with the class next time. - **Field Trip:** - Plan a visit to a local community helper (e.g., fire station, library) to see them in action. ### Accommodations: - **For Students with Learning Disabilities:** - Provide additional help with drawing or physically cutting and pasting materials. - Use larger print or picture symbols for easier understanding. - **For English Language Learners:** - Use simple, clear language and visual aids. - Pair them with a buddy who can help translate or explain concepts. --- **Note:** This lesson aims to foster a sense of belonging and understanding among first graders, giving them an appreciation for their own family structures and the essential roles within their community.