Global Perspectives Program - Typical Curricular Topics

Here are some of the topics covered in the public school academic curriculum (K-12) that can be useful when preparing for your presentation. All grade levels are expected to teach and reinforce New York State social studies concepts. They are:

Kindergarten to grade 2 (ages 5-7 years old)
In these grades, the curriculum focuses on people, their families and neighborhoods, urban, suburban and rural communities. Suggested topics are: typical family structure, food, clothing, holidays and celebrations, language, music, games.

Grades 3-4 (8-10 years old)
In these grades, the curriculum covers communities and regions around the world. Suggested topics are: all topics above, education and school life in your country. Fourth grade covers New York State and American history through the Civil War.

Grade 5 (10-11 years old)
The curriculum for this grade include topics on US history, different types of government structures, the concept of citizenship. US regions, Canada, and Central America are studied. Suggested topics include all of the above plus economic and political systems.

Grades 6-8 (11-13 years old) - Commonly called Middle School.
The Social Studies curricula for grade 6 addresses Old World History (middle ages, exploration of the new world); grade 7 studies early colonial/pioneer life in the US, and the American Revolution through the Civil War; grade 8 brings the students from the Civil War to the present day. Most adolescents enjoy hearing about other “kids” - their music, popular movies, school days, dating, clothes, sports, and special holiday celebrations. They also respond well to guests telling personal stories about their growing up. The students enjoy talking about food and may even try a recipe if the speaker has one to offer. Learning a phrase or two of another language would also be fun.

Grades 9-12 (13-18 years old)
High school students are curious about issues that affect teenagers in other countries. They may ask about dating and marriage, drugs, poverty, environmental concerns, parent/child relationships, and religion. Many foreign language teachers use Global Perspectives speakers in their language classes, and any of the topics listed from Kindergarten on would be appropriate.

Rochester International Council
Morey Hall, Room 229, University of Rochester Rochester, NY 14627 USA
phone (585) 275-8779 fax (585) 756-8086 e-mail: jw@rifc.org
Office Hours: 10:30 am to 4:30 pm Eastern Time, Monday-Friday,
closed Thursday