Theme

Our theme sequence, “Long Ago,” begins with a foundational look at the history of the United States in third grade and then broadens to encompass the “Far Away,” as fourth and fifth graders study ancient civilizations, such as Greece and China.

Theme in the third grade explores the concepts of cultural change, cooperation, interdependence, causality, and similarities and differences. Of particular prominence is the role that conflict and resolution have played in effecting cultural change in Philadelphia and the United States. Third graders focus on the ways Americans have continually worked to build a more just country. There is a particularly strong connection between theme and language arts. Reading of historical fiction and biography in language arts complements wide-ranging discussions, simulations, and storytelling in theme class. Theme classes are also the forum for read-alouds, appearances by guest speakers and re-enactors, and web and video/DVD presentations. Skills emphasized include reading for information, organizing and presenting data, and making generalizations from specific information. Research projects build upon the basic research skills learned in the Primary Unit. Students may use computers to help them obtain or present information. Field trips are an important aspect of experiential learning in the third grade.

In fourth and fifth grades, students are moving toward becoming more comfortable and confident as learners. Increasingly more solid in their basic skills as readers, writers, and mathematicians, they are ready for the challenges of longer, more complex project work. Reading and writing skills are honed; strategies for reading a variety of genres are stressed. Students are challenged to represent their understanding of concepts in creative and innovative ways.

Ready to embrace the more conceptually challenging second phase of our thematic scope and sequence, “Long Ago and Far Away," students examine the origins of ideals, principles, and practices of citizenship today and how they are influenced by the beliefs and traditions of past societies. Ancient Greece and ancient China provide rich and meaningful sources for literature, science, mathematics, the arts, sports, and cultural studies.

To learn more about The Philadelphia School's thematic cycle, click here.