Walk Through California™
The program that introduced Social Science Discovery Days throughout California! Since 1980, thousands of classrooms have had this 2½ hour exploration of the state’s geography, history and people each year! Role play, a huge model of California (assembled by students), listening skills, vocabulary development, competitive games and music add to the learning experience of tens of thousands of 4th graders each year. Great program for an introductory overview of California history as you start the year!
What happens in this program?
The teacher will receive
a preparation kit with directions to organize their class in teams for participation.
Individual task cards enable students to participate as experts throughout the
program. These cards develop history and geography vocabulary and better
understanding of concepts.
"Experts" are challenged to listen for word clues in program and respond to our "Expert Chair" with information they have prepared based on the card. No two students have the same card. All students listen closely for purposeful blunders that presenter makes during program. Students are encouraged to think out answers carefully and answer with full sentences and are rewarded for this effort!
Students participate as teams and as individuals as they travel together on an imaginary trip through the history and geography of California. They accumulate points by answering questions and finding locations based on information presented in program. This is not a passive spectator event. It is not a traditional school assembly. It is a program that involves active participation by every student. Programs are LIMITED TO 35 PARTICIPANTS. Students take a break half-way through the event and are enthusiastically waiting at the door to return!
Children travel in our
"time machine" to periods of history and observe events played by
other students. Authentic full-size historical flags are displayed and used by
students to fix chronology in the students’ minds. Some students play the part
of historical characters in our costumes . . . some may get trapped in the
wilderness. . . volcanoes could erupt . . . Serra starts a mission . . . Gold is
discovered . . .
The
centerpiece of the program involves the assembling of a detailed
three-dimensional model-map of California that is almost 20 feet long and 12
feet wide. Clues guide students to locating important geographical and
historical features. An exciting race determines distances, directions, and
places takes place on this model. Teams select a representative to visit special
places and gain additional points in a final review. Throughout the program
special music, skits, sound effects, dance, and humor help the students’
imagination capture
the spirit of the state.
The program as described above varies according to adequate advanced preparation by teachers and students. A participation certificate is awarded to every participating student. The first place team receives a special recognition certificate.
How will your class benefit?
Your students will know more about California after 2½ hours of personal and team participation using listening and verbal skills.
You will have an opportunity to observe students’ reactions, strengths and weaknesses as they respond to unique teaching techniques. many teachers have told us of ways they have implemented ideas gained during this special day.
Parents can be invited to observe and participate. Parents have been the greatest fans of these programs.
You can take your class on a "field trip" without the high expense and problems of bus schedules, parent assistance, reservations, and limited time available after long drives.
Walk Through California™ when used early in the year, serves as an excellent introductory overview of history and geography, providing useful information and vocabulary as well as a "sense of place" to students.
It can also serve as review and reinforcement of earlier learning when scheduled at other times.
Students’ social studies vocabulary will immediately be enlarged through their experience with our expert cards!
For reviews of our 4th grade presentations click here
For pricing and ordering information click here
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